NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
June 30, 2016
Contact: Cynthia Reed-Porter, Facilities Communications Supervisor, 619-546-3378 or creed-porter@sandi.net
San Diego schools, US Defense Department make major announcement in time for Fourth of July
The San Diego Unified School District and the US Department of Defense are releasing good news for military families in time for the Fourth of July weekend. The county’s largest school system plans to spend $52 million renovating schools in the Tierrasanta community, which largely serve the children of our nation’s Armed Forces. Construction will begin this month, thanks in part to a large grant from the Department of Defense.
“We work every day to make sure our schools are worthy of the children we serve,” said San Diego School Superintendent Cindy Marten. “It is especially important at this time of year to honor our commitment to our military families. We want our men and women in uniform to know we value their service, and we appreciate the opportunity to serve their children in our schools.”
Aging portable classrooms – 30 of them – will be replaced by state-of-the-art, permanent classrooms at both Hancock and Miller elementary schools. The project is expected to last into the fall of 2018, although the schools will remain open during construction.
San Diego Unified School Board President Mike McQuary said, “We have a proud military tradition in San Diego, and we are glad to have the opportunity to give back to our service men and women by providing their children with the best possible learning environments.”
About 10 percent of the students in San Diego Unified School District are from military families with many served by Hancock and Miller elementary schools. Funding for renovations at the schools has been made possible through a grant from the Department of Defense in combination with local funds approved by voters under the Proposition Z bond program.
In addition to replacing the portable classroom units, the whole site modernization at Hancock and Miller will include:
· Air conditioning
· Upgrades to the technology network infrastructure to support the i21 Interactive 21st Century Classroom Technology Initiative
· Improved safety systems for fires and other emergencies
· New sidewalks including accessible ramps and stairs
· Clean, modern lunchroom facilities
“Military families are part of what makes Tierrasanta such an amazing community,” said San Diego Unified former President Kevin Beiser, who represents the neighborhood on the School Board. “The major renovation plan we are announcing today will provide all Tierrasanta families, and especially those with a family member serving our country in the military, with quality learning environments to help their children grow and thrive.”
Cynthia Reed-Porter, communications supervisor l Communications Office l San Diego Unified School District
Mobile phone: 619-546-3378 l E-mail: creed-porter@sandi.net
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