History of Galt Joint Union High School District
It was the year 1911…. In a collaborative effort, J.W. Reese and Dr. Montague worked to form a high school district, and after much planning, work, and coordination, their efforts paid off when 181 voters from ten elementary districts went to the polls on October 20, 1911, for a crucial vote. The vote tally was 141 yes and 40 noes to form the first high school district in Galt.
Located on the corner of Oak Avenue and A Street was a two-story house that served as the first high school building for students and three faculty members. Two years later, in 1913, Galt High School moved to the present site where a new two-story brick schoolhouse was built. The faculty of three grew to four, and together they welcomed 22 students on the first day of school.
Sadly, in 1924, a fire destroyed the existing two-story schoolhouse, displacing students and faculty to temporary buildings referred to as the “Chicken Coops.” Soon after the fire, planning started on a third Galt High School structure that included a new building designed for 300 students, a cafeteria, and an auditorium large enough to seat 600. Construction was completed in 1927 and the school was dedicated on February 8, 1928. With newly remodeled facilities, the faculty focused their efforts on curriculum and program development. In 1922, Galt High School’s Agricultural Department started Vocational Agriculture and joined the Future Farmers of America in 1929. In 1928, Galt High school established the first recorded public school, flight training program where 53 men graduated with their pilot’s license. The school offered classes in Chemistry, Business, Drafting and Homemaking. In 1935, students Albert Gaub and Victor Stefan were named as winners of the contest for submitting new names for the Galt High School athletes. They suggested “Warriors.” Over time, the school buildings began to age, and because construction occurred prior to the earthquake safety- laws, the buildings were ordered to be demolished in 1948. Soon after, the fourth Galt High School was built where it stands today on Lincoln Way. To date, Galt High School serves approximately 1000 students in grades 9th-12th.
Established in 1968, Estrellita Continuation High School is the only alternative continuation program in Galt, serving students in grades 9th-12th. In 2007, Estrellita moved to its current $7 million facility. Estrellita Continuation High School was funded through developer and Mello-Roos fees and matching state funds. Currently, Estrellita serves approximately one hundred students.
On August 18, 2009, Liberty Ranch, Galt District’s newest high school opened its doors to 589, 9th and 10th grade students, thanks to a successful 2005 bond campaign where voters approved Measure B, a $29.2 million bond. Today, Liberty Ranch serves approximately 1,000 students in grades 9th-12th.
Since the passage of Measure E in November 2016, Galt Joint Union High School District has seen $36 million in new and improved facilities, including $3 million in technology upgrades. A new stadium complex was built at Liberty Ranch, complete with an all-weather track, synthetic field, visitor, and home grandstands, a press box, field lighting and a sound system. Galt High School’s existing athletic field underwent extensive field improvements, including a new all-weather track, synthetic field, visitor, and home grandstands, a press box, fencing, field lighting and a sound system. In addition, classrooms were modernized, dilapidated portables were removed from the campus, upgrades were made to the old Agriculture building, parking lot, and HVAC systems and the addition of a new, two-story science building.
Today, Galt Joint Union High School District continues to operate two comprehensive high schools, one continuation high school and a school for adult learners. The district serves approximately 2000 students in grades 9th-12th: 61% Hispanic or Latino, 30% White and 9% other races. 11% of students are designated as English learners, and 53% are socioeconomically disadvantaged.
Galt Joint Union High School District is dedicated to enriching lives and building a caring and collaborative learning community by providing Adult Learners with quality educational opportunities and support services.
