Plans to upgrade, build MUSD schools on track
BY BILL DEAVER, Mojave Desert
News
MOJAVE - Plans to modernize existing schools in the Mojave Unified School District and build two new schools in California City are proceeding, MUSD Superintendent Larry Phelps reported recently.
Phelps said state bond funding for modernizing schools in California City and Mojave will depend on passage of Proposition 55 by California voters March 2nd.
"The state currently does not have any matching funds for modernization," Phelps said. That money would supplement funds raised by a district parcel tax already approved by voters.
Plans to upgrade Robert P. Ulrich Elementary School have been approved by two state agencies and is awaiting approval by a third. "We do not anticipate any problems with this process," Phelps said.
RPU students will be housed in the new Hacienda Elementary School during the modernization work, which should take place in the Fall of 2006.
Work at Joshua Middle School in Mojave is in the same status, and work at Mojave High, Mojave Elementary, and Red Rock School is also awaiting state approvals, Phelps reported.
New schools
One tortoise is holding up final approval of a new high school to serve several hundred human students in California City, Phelps said. While all other approvals have been received, the district is awaiting approval of a "habitat conservation plan" submitted after the single tortoise was found during a survey of the site for the new school.
The good news is that the state has funds for new construction and the district believes it is in line to receive matching funds for the high school and the elementary school, Phelps said.
"Our current plan is to open the high school and elementary school no
later than 2006, and begin construction by the middle of this year for
both schools," Phelps said.
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