Just a year ago Measure HH, our $265 million bond measure to upgrade and modernize our campuses, passed with broad support from our community. As you know, we hit the ground running with an ambitious Phase One plan that includes modernizing many schools and installing safety and sustainability elements. This month I’d like to update you on some of our most exciting Phase One projects — major renovations at three of our elementary schools, Magnolia, Kelly, and Hope.
After many months of planning, gathering community feedback, and updating designs, the board has recently approved plans for refurbishing these three elementary campuses.
At Hope Elementary School, we will be constructing three new classroom buildings equipped for 21st century learning. This will also accommodate student enrollment growth in the coming years as new housing projects come online. We also will expand the multipurpose room, and modernize plumbing, electrical, HVAC, roofing, and technology infrastructure.
At Kelly Elementary School, we will be busy modernizing classrooms, improving infrastructure, and constructing a brand new multipurpose room with larger capacity for the school’s student population, which is also projected to increase due to planned residential projects.
And at Magnolia Elementary, built in 1957, we look forward to remodeling the campus with plumbing, electrical, HVAC, roofing, and technology infrastructure, while maintaining the school’s mid-century charm and neighborhood appeal.
Each of these elementary school campuses will have a STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Mathematics) lab for innovative, hands-on learning. And we will remove and replace aging portables as needed.
Construction documents for these schools have been drawn up and are currently being submitted to the Division of the State Architect. We plan to break ground on these projects at the end of the school year. More detailed information about each of the Phase 1 projects can be found on our website.
It is important that we renovate and renew our schools so our students have the learning spaces and resources they need to prepare for a successful future. At the same time, we are doing our best to maintain the traditions and quality of life that have made Carlsbad a great place to live and raise a family. The powerful vision and hard work of our parents, teachers, community members, and administrators are the guiding forces behind this exciting undertaking. Thank you for taking this journey with us.
