Aug 20, 2008 By Cyril Jones-Kellett - La Jolla Light
Voters to decide on $2.1 billion plan in November
If the district can get voters to approve a major infusion of cash through a bond initiative, each of La Jolla's five public schools would see more than a million dollars in improvements.
On July 23, the San Diego Board of Education voted to put the $2.1 billion measure on the Nov. 4 ballot.
If it passes, it would raise more than $273 million for upgrades required under the federal Americans with Disabilities Act. The rest of the funds would go to other facility and technology upgrades at schools.
In addition to getting funds to bring all schools to the same basic standard, each school would be allotted $150 per student to use on discretionary projects particular to that school.
Cynthia Reed-Porter, a school district spokesperson, said that these discretionary funds are somewhat flexible, but that in general they must be used for facilities improvement. "If you can turn the building upside down and it doesn't fall out, then you can do it," she said.
High school list For example, at La Jolla High School, which is slated to receive more than $4 million in upgrades from the bond issue, plans include food kiosks and additional covered exterior dining areas. Other improvements would be made to the student drop-off and pick-up area, renovating locker rooms and the gym as well as renovating or replacing the stadium bleachers and press box.
Among the common items and projects that would be completed at all of La Jolla's schools are renovation of restrooms, installation of WIFI, general technology upgrades, improved fire alarms and emergency communications, improved parking and drop-off areas, and general clean-up of health hazards. Click here for a detailed list.
The bond initiative continues a process begun in the late 1990s when the district did a massive review of school facilities and created a Long Range Facilities Master Plan. That plan envisioned about $4 billion in improvements to district facilities.
Then, in 1998, voters passed Prop. MM, which authorized $1.51 billion in bonds.
Continuing Prop. MM This year's bond initiative is intended to continue the facilities improvements begun with Prop. MM funds.
Reed-Porter said that all schools built since Prop. MM have been built with "smart rooms," and that the new bond issue would bring the technology for these rooms to all of the district's schools.
Smart rooms use an array of technologies - computers, large screens, microphones, specialized software - to allow teachers to expand their methods of teaching.
"When you go into the classroom and you watch these teachers instructing with the technology they have in the new schools, it's amazing," she said.
Spending breakdown Here's a breakdown on the funds La Jolla schools would receive.
Torrey Pines Elementary School, built in 1963 with 398 students, would receive more than $1.7 million.
La Jolla Elementary School, built in 1942 with 553 students, would receive more than $1.3 million.
Muirlands Middle School, built in 1963 with its 1,078 students, would receive more than $2.7 million.
Bird Rock Elementary School, built in 1952, would receive more than $1.13. million, based on 450 students.
La Jolla High School, built in 1940 with 1,666 students, would receive nearly $4.2 million.
MORE INFORMATION Torrey Pines Elementary School, built in 1963 with 398 students, would receive $1,070,417
Repair site sidewalks and hardscape areas as needed
Repair/replace heating and ventilation systems as needed
Repair/replace aging wiring and electrical systems
Repair/replace deteriorating plumbing and sewer systems
Repair/replace building interiors, exteriors, fixtures and finishes, including doors as needed
Although the La Jolla Light does not have any obligation to monitor this board, the La Jolla Light reserves the right at all times to check this board and to remove any information or materials that are unlawful, threatening, abusive, libelous, defamatory, obscene, vulgar, pornographic, profane, indecent or otherwise objectionable to the La Jolla Light in our sole discretion and to disclose any information necessary to satisfy the law, regulation, or government request. The La Jolla Light also reserves the right to permanently block any user who violates these terms and conditions. All threats to systems or site infrastructure shall be assumed genuine in nature and will be reported to the appropriate law enforcement authorities. Submission of any comments will be considered permission to use online or in print.
