El Monte Union will hold a celebratory groundbreaking for its new 15,000-square-foot Multipurpose Building and Gymnasium at Fernando R. Ledesma High School. The facility will feature a cafeteria, performance space with grandstand seating, basketball court, fitness areas and outdoor classrooms – all of which aim to promote healthy living, collaboration and sustainability.
The groundbreaking will take place at 4 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 11 at Fernando R. Ledesma High School, 12347 Ramona Blvd., El Monte.
This is the first major project to be funded primarily by Measure HS, a $190 million facilities bond approved by voters in November 2018. Other funds include Measure D bond and developer fees.
The $13 million Multipurpose Building and Gymnasium will serve as a gathering place for athletic events, performances and neighborhood functions. It will include an outdoor weightlifting area, snack bar, concession and lobby areas, restrooms, classrooms and a learning garden to promote healthy eating among students and the larger community. The anticipated completion date is late spring 2021.
Other planned Measure HS Series A projects across the District include security upgrades; infrastructure upgrades (roofing, HVAC, classroom lighting); artificial track and field and snack bar replacements for two school sites; designs for full modernizations at Mountain View and South El Monte high schools and construction of new Transition Center; furniture replacement; and various parking area improvements.
The event will feature remarks from Superintendent Dr. Edward Zuniga, Board of Trustees President David Diaz and Principal Freddy Arteaga.
