With a great deal of anticipation and excitement, local officials, families, students, staff, administrators, and board members gathered together on Tuesday, July 11. Their shared goal? To proudly host the Dedication and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for the new magnificently built, state-of-the-art gymnasium at El Segundo Middle School.
A crowning achievement for the entire community, the 14,000 square-foot gym stands as a testament to a relentless drive for excellence in education. With the capacity to welcome over 800 students, it offers a facility that well exceeds the standards of comparable districts in the South Bay. Designed as a versatile space, the gym fosters a rich array of activities for students and community members.
As one steps into the awe-inspiring structure, their senses are greeted by the beauty of sunlight streaming through motorized skylights and north light windows. An atmosphere of innovation and progress is encapsulated by the retractable projector, motorized basketball backboards, and blackout screens—among other impressive features.
The memorable event featured ESMS Principal Sarah Davlantis, former Board of Education Member Dr. Bill Watkins, Board Clerk Frank Glynn, Board President Dieema Wheaton, and Superintendent Dr. Melissa Moore. A heartwarming display of patriotism by Cub Scout Troop 968, presenting the colors, was a perfect start to the ceremony. The grand finale was the ceremonial ribbon cutting, carried out by the collective efforts of the entire Board of Education, legacy board members from 2018, and the superintendent.
After the ceremony, attendees were treated to self-guided tours, led by the enthusiasm of student ambassadors. They showcased not only the grandeur of the gymnasium, but also the newly minted science lab, the updated music room, and the renovated Bulldog Hall.
This beacon of our community’s resilience and unity could only have been realized thanks to the community’s overwhelming support. The $92 million Measure ES Bond, passed with a resounding 63.3 percent vote in November 2018, provided the necessary funding. Construction work began in January 2022 under the direction of Telacu, the project manager, and Miller Construction, the general contractor.
The project ambitiously took over 60 percent of the entire campus. The gym was just one part of the grand plan, as upgrades also revitalized the field space, underground plumbing systems, electrical substation, and outdoor basketball and volleyball courts.
Embracing ESUSD’s responsibility towards the environment, sustainability was woven into the very fabric of the project. The implementation of a 5,000 square-foot bioswale will minimize runoff, recharging the groundwater table. And, a pollinator garden with native Seacliff Buckwheat will help protect the endangered El Segundo Blue Butterfly.
Deeply rooted in collaboration, the project was fueled by the tireless efforts and dedication of the ESUSD Facility Advisory Committee, made up of community members whose expert insights and recommendations proved invaluable. The Citizen Bond Oversight Committee provided the fiscal compass, steering bond dollars with prudence and accountability.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the neighbors enveloping the middle school site for their patience and understanding during this transformative period. We are equally thankful to the faculty, staff, and students for their resilience, accommodating shifts to different classrooms, overcoming the disruption of construction noise, and adapting to parking in new locations at various points in the process.
This collective effort is a true testament to the enduring spirit of the El Segundo community. Here's to our shared achievement, the triumph of unity, and the dawn of many new opportunities for ESUSD!
On behalf of Senator Ted Lieu, Aurelia Friedman presented a certificate to Board Vice President Meredith Beachly.
On behalf of Senator Ben Allen, Olina Wibroe presented a certificate to Board Member Michael Wagner.
On behalf of Assemblyman Al Muratsuchi, Melissa Ramoso presented a certificate to Board Member Frank Glynn.
On behalf of Supervisor Holly Mitchell, Jessalyn Waldron presented a certificate to Board Member Tracey Miller-Zarneke.
City of El Segundo Mayor Drew Boyles presented a certificate to Board President Dieema Wheaton.
A representative for Scott Houston, president of the West Basin Municipal Water District, presented to ESMS Principal Sarah Davlantis.