As our 2009-10 school year draws to a close, we have many accomplishments to celebrate. Foremost among them are the ways in which Prop P-funded construction is changing the landscape of education for the nearly 11,000 students in our district.
In 2006, Carlsbad citizens overwhelmingly approved the $198-million Prop P bond. That money, along with $35 million in State funds, has enabled us to pursue a massive renovation of venerable Carlsbad High School (built in 1958), modernization of four elementary and two middle schools and installation of district-wide technology upgrades. It also funds the creation of a new high school at College Boulevard and Cannon Road, slated to break ground in fall 2010 and open in fall 2013.

Structural improvements benefit teaching and learning
What have we accomplished since Carlsbad voters approved Prop P? A lot!
Summer 2009 brought extensive construction. Students and staff at Buena Vista, Hope, Kelly and Magnolia Elementary schools returned to an array of structural improvements, ADA accessibility upgrades, ceiling-mounted LCD projectors and site-specific enhancements such as a new playground at Magnolia.
As the district's oldest middle school, Valley (built in 1966) underwent many needed renovations, with more work scheduled for this summer. This year, students have enjoyed socializing under the new lunch shelters serviced by the cafeteria's new kitchen equipment.
Principal Cesar Morales anticipates classroom renovations, gym flooring and other improvements. “The construction will develop greater student, teacher and community pride as a result of much-needed modernization,” he said.
Aviara Oaks Middle School, which opened in 1998, quickly outgrew its original environs. Thanks to Prop P, it now has a wonderful, new 12-classroom science and communications building.
Principal Carolyn Millikin is enthusiastic about the enhanced learning environment. “This exciting addition provides math, science, language arts, social studies and broadcasting classrooms as well as additional student restrooms for our growing student population,” she said.


Touchdown!
On March 11, 2010, the new home bleacher section overlooking the pristine new
Swede Krcmar Field at Carlsbad High was a resplendent sea of Lancer purple and gold as the CUSD board of trustees, Carlsbad High principal, ASB leaders and I cut the ribbon on the long-anticipated stadium. Next up will be five new classroom buildings and other campus-wide renovations, slated for completion in 2011.
I am very proud of what we as a community are doing for Carlsbad. Thank you for choosing to invest in our children's future by passing Prop P.
To keep up to date on construction, visit www.carlsbadusd.k12.ca.us/propP.html. To keep up to date on district doings, follow me at www.twitter.com/SuptRoach.