glitches, it is important that we don't lose site of the prize at the end
of the rainbow -- two new and beautiful high schools that will
accommodate from 2500 to 2750 students and increase the quality of
education with larger, modern, air conditioned and well lighted
classrooms.
Burbank students have waited a very long time for the schools they
have always deserved. As a community, we must work together during
construction to help our students and neighbors through the next four
years. We know these new and modernized schools will not only bring pride
to our town, but will also help increase the value of our homes.
Burbank Unified School District has embarked on one of the largest
projects this community has had in a very long time. With the passage of
the $112.5 million local bond, city assistance, FEMA funding, statewide
Proposition 1A, state and federal grants and some miscellaneous general
fund monies, we have and will spend approximately $161 million over a six
year period on the modernization and new construction of all our schools.
With preparation well in advance for an ongoing maintenance fund of at
lease $4 million yearly, we are not only ready for new schools, but the
funding mechanism to maintain them is in place.
* ELENA HUBBELL is vice president of the Burbank Board of Education.
Reach her at 845-4221.
