The El Segundo Unified School District celebrated the opening of the new Richmond Street School Classroom Building with a ribbon cutting and dedication ceremony on Friday, January 5.
The ceremony marked the culmination of a years-long effort to ensure adequate school facilities for students in the district.
Richmond Street School Principal Carie Oulashian opened the ceremony with a welcome to all guests and introduction of special dignitaries, including elected officials from El Segundo; Assemblyman Al Muratsuchi, 66th District; Edward Feves, representing Senator Ben Allen; Jessalyn Waldron acting on behalf of Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell; Scott Houston, President of the West Basin Municipal Water District; City Officials, including Mayor Drew Boyles, Mayor Pro Tem Chris Pimental; Councilmembers Carol Pirsztuk and Ryan Baldino; Melissa Ramoso, District Director; and members of the Board of Education.
Former board member Nancy Cobb delivered remarks on Measure ES, sharing the history and legacy of the initiative. Then, Board President Meredith Beachly led the building dedication, highlighting the importance of the new construction. Superintendent Dr. Melissa Moore brought the proceedings to a close with concluding remarks, encapsulating the significance and vision associated with the effort.
The new addition, which contains six classrooms, presently will serve the school’s second and fifth-grade students. Additionally, the project stands as a prime example of sustainable construction that supports energy efficiency, water conservation, and native plantings, including an El Segundo Blue Butterfly habitat. Student ambassadors were on hand to highlight special building features which included a custom stair
panel design, two garage doors in classrooms to promote indoor-outdoor learning, and the most noteworthy Blue Butterfly mosiac is the center showpiece. Parent Chia-Ming Ro, along with other dedicated parent volunteers, spearheaded an effort to re-establish transformational learning gardens for students, as well.
During the 2015-16 school year, ESUSD began the long-range facility master planning process with PBK Architects with the goals of assessing and prioritizing current and future facility needs, and bringing technology infrastructure to current standards. In November 2018, El Segundo voters approved the passage of Measure ES with 63.2% support. This $92 million bond is the fourth school bond measure passed by the community and the largest, with a comprehensive reach that impacted every campus in ESUSD. The bond targeted three new construction projects, with this classroom building being one of them.
Dr. Moore thanked the community for their support of the district’s facilities and building efforts.
“This beautiful new building stands as a testament to the tireless efforts and unwavering commitment of everyone involved,” said Dr. Moore. “Together we have built more than just a building—we have built a promise for the future in a vibrant learning environment where our students will thrive and feel seen, heard, supported, and loved for many decades to come.”