This winter will be the first in recent memory that the roof on Millbrae's Taylor Middle School won't leak because the Millbrae School District received enough money for upgrades that will keep students dry.
School District Measure X, a $30 million bond issue approved by nearly 70 percent of the voters in November of 2008, is providing funds for the renovation of five schools and the district office, all built 50 to 60 years ago.
Schools receiving improvements are Taylor Middle School and four elementary schools: Lomita Park, Spring Valley, Meadows and Green Hills. A total of 2,200 students and 100 teachers will benefit from the construction.
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Bond funds are being distributed in phases at the district's discretion. Phase 1 money is being spent on the most pressing infrastructure needs. So far a third of the total has been spent, according to Cynthia Shieh, chief business officer for the Millbrae School District.
"All improvements happen during summertime. This summer is considered Phase 1 and is mainly for [building] code-related projects, accessibility to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act and renovating 16 bathrooms. During the summer of 2011 the projects are going to be more intense," Shieh said.
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In addition, the schools have upgraded their technology infrastructure with improved internet and data line systems and servers.
Besides repairing leaky roofs, which for years have been hard-pressed to withstand Bay Area rains, bond funds will also be used to improve the facilities' plumbing and ventilation systems.
While many of the Phase 2 details have yet to be determined, Shieh expects to implement the next project phase at the beginning of next summer and that will likely include improvements to the district office.
Shieh says a complete overhaul of the facilities is estimated to cost about $97 million, an undertaking that will most likely depend on more voter-approved bond measures.
More information can be found at: http://www.millbraeschooldistrict.org/BondXActivity.htm
