Cuesta North expands agriculture, kinesiology programs with new building
College breaks ground on new instructional building earlier this month
– Cuesta College held a groundbreaking ceremony on Feb. 5 for the North County Campus Instructional Building, a facility designed to expand educational opportunities for students in San Luis Obispo County. The building is the final project funded by Measure L, a bond measure aimed at improving campus infrastructure.
“I am pleased with the college’s diligence and thoughtfulness in implementing each issuance of the bond,” said Dr. Jill Stearns, superintendent and president of Cuesta College. “It ensures that our students benefit from outstanding learning spaces and provides enhanced functionality for our employees in amazing facilities.”
The new instructional building will serve as a hub for trades and career education programs, offering adaptable classroom and lab spaces for hands-on learning. The facility will include an agriculture lab to support Cuesta College’s agriculture program, a covered workspace for trades programs including agriculture and automotive courses, a movement classroom and locker rooms for kinesiology programs, and a traditional lecture classroom.
“Today’s groundbreaking symbolizes the board’s commitment to providing educational facilities to prepare our students to succeed in the workforce and the world,” said Danna Stroud, vice president of the San Luis Obispo County Community College District Board of Trustees. “On behalf of my fellow trustees, we are grateful for our community’s support in investing in Cuesta’s future.”
Since opening in 1998 with modular buildings, the North County Campus has added permanent facilities, including the R & B Schultz Early Childhood Center, which opened in 2021, and the Pete Cagliero Plant Science Facility, which features greenhouses, vines, and fruit trees. The new instructional building will further expand hands-on training opportunities with a full-service lab and additional space for career programs.
From left to right: Asst Supt / VP of Administrative Services Todd Hampton, Asst Supt / VP of Instruction Dr. Jason Curtis, Asst Supt / VP of Student Success & Support Programs Dr. Elizabeth Coria, Asst Supt / VP of Human Resources Melissa Richerson, and Superintendent / President Dr. Jill Stearns.
“With each new permanent structure, our students gain a greater sense of belonging and permanency,” said Mia Ruiz, dean of student success and support programs overseeing the North County Campus. “All students, whether degree-seeking or life-long learners, will be able to enjoy these beautiful and functional spaces.”
The $15 million construction contract was awarded in October to Newton Construction and Management Inc. of San Luis Obispo. Initial construction activities, including fencing and groundwork, are underway, with completion expected in spring 2026. The facility will include sustainable features such as rooftop solar panels and a battery backup system to improve energy efficiency.
Measure L is the $275 million general obligation bond approved by San Luis Obispo County voters in November 2014 to fund new construction, repairs, and upgrades at Cuesta College. More information about Measure L is available at cuestacollegebond.info. A video of the groundbreaking ceremony can be viewed below:
