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Lompoc, Calif. — Manzanita Public Charter School is preparing a nearly $60 million campus overhaul designed to deliver long-term benefits for students, families stationed at Vandenberg Space Force Base and the broader Lompoc community.
The project will be anchored by a $45.4 million federal grant aimed at improving public schools on military installations. Additional funding—about $14.6 million—is expected to come from a California Charter School facilities grant, the Lompoc Unified School District and Manzanita’s own funds.
Plans call for construction of a new gymnasium, library, multipurpose center, music room, six classrooms and a kitchen. Existing buildings and grounds will see upgrades including a new air conditioning system, improved playgrounds, safety enhancements and refreshed landscaping.
Roughly a quarter to a third of Manzanita students are from military families stationed at Vandenberg SFB, and school and base officials say the work is intended to strengthen ties between the installation and local community. “This investment directly supports our military families and demonstrates a continued commitment to the quality of life of Team V,” said Col. James T. Horne III, Space Launch Delta 30 commander. “Providing modern, high-quality educational facilities for our children helps ensure our Guardians, Airmen and families have the resources they need to thrive while serving at Vandenberg.”
Manzanita and its partners began pursuing funding in 2018, working with Lompoc Unified School District, Vandenberg SFB and multiple state agencies. Despite pandemic disruptions and funding complexities, the coalition kept the effort moving. “Having a beautiful campus and environment at a school is so important,” said Suzanne Nicastro, Manzanita Public Charter School superintendent. “Kids and staff feel valued when they’re learning and working in an environment that is clean, safe and meets the needs of everyone.”
Construction is scheduled to start the first week of June 2026 and unfold in three phases over the following three years. “This will be a gift that the community will have for decades to come,” Nicastro said. “It’s a win for the kids, a win for the staff and a win for the community.”
