El Monte City School District unveiled its new, state-of-the-art professional development center on Oct. 14 before a cheering crowd of more than 200 community members, students, District staff members and elected officials.
The center will provide staff with an advanced learning space to aid them in creating innovative instructional materials for students. The building features three rooms equipped with projectors, podiums and sound systems for training programs as well as new chambers for Board of Education meetings.
The project was funded through the community-adopted Measure M, which generated $78 million from bond sales that enabled the District to upgrade classroom technology, complete energy-efficient updates and construct new facilities.
“Any time you can add space for teachers to collaborate and to do professional development, that is a chance to propel student learning to new academic heights,” Cleminson School Principal Carlos Salcedo said. “This will be a wonderful learning space that our teachers and students deserve.”
The ceremony included student-led tours, performances by Potrero School’s mariachi band, Wright School’s concert band and Durfee School’s choir, as well as proclamations by elected officials, including state Sen. Susan Rubio.
“It is so important to see facilities like this come together,” Rubio said. “As a former teacher I understand the need to have a good place like this to share ideas and help our students in the best possible way. I’m really honored to be here.”
Building tours were given by Shirpser School’s Leader in Me students, who detailed how the 8,552-square-foot building will serve District teachers and administrators.
“This building would not be possible without the unwavering support of the amazing people who live in our community,” Board of Education President Jennifer Cobian said. “Our wonderful El Monte residents know that when they check that box that says yes to a school bond, they are saying yes to our children, teachers and all the District’s hard-working individuals who strive to create a brighter future for our children.”
Following the ceremony, the District’s Board of Education held its first meeting in the new board room.
“The investment that we make in buildings like this project has a profound impact and return to our community,” Garcia said. “For the past 20 years, we have been focusing on providing the best facilities to our students with the belief that a first-rate education begins with optimal learning environments. Our facilities are truly the foundation of that.”