Nine South Bay schools will undergo major renovation beginning this month. It's part of the Sweetwater Union High School District's multi-million-dollar school bond spending. KPBS Reporter Ana Tintocalis has more.
Chula Vista High School served as the backdrop of what's to come under Prop. O. A huge chunk of the $644 million bond measure will go towards demolishing and rebuilding new structures including a performing arts theater, library and gym.
“This school is a second home,” Amy Hocza said, a student leader at Chula Vista High. “So having the facilities be updated, and made more comfortable for the students, definitely, makes every day things much better. And just in the community itself, we will be recognized.”
Chula Vista High is the largest and oldest campus in the district, built in the 1940s.
Senior Antoine Furbert says he’s looking forward to the changes.
“Everything is kind of old and outdated,” Hocza said. “But we make due with them for now, so this is really a blessing.”
“I think the students would appreciate the new buildings more,” Furbert added. “Since they're old, (the students) really don't have respect for the buildings.”
Sweetwater High also stands to get much of the Prop. O money. Other high schools on the list include Southwest, Montgomery and Hilltop.
National City, Southwest and Chula Vista middle schools will also undergo substantial renovations.
Voters approved the bond four years ago. Officials say the planning phase took longer than expected, and previous bond projects were not completed.
In approving Prop. O, South County voters agreed to increase their property taxes by $27 for ever $100,000 of assessed valuation for a nine-year series of school repairs and upgrades.
Ana Tintocalis, KPBS News.
