Add as a preferred source on Google

Education's Impact on Economic Development

  • By Dr. Jesus M. Gandara
  • 08/01/10
StartFragment

Education’s Impact on Economic Development

Passed in November 2006, Prop O is a school classroom, safety and repair measure providing $644 million in funds necessary to address the needs of the 32 campuses in the Sweetwater Union High School District (SUHSD).

The fiscal impact of the bond measure to the economically impoverished area is immense. The district is wholly dedicated to maximizing the reinvestment of Prop O bond dollars back into the South Bay communities that have chosen to tax themselves to fund the much-needed modernization of the local schools.

 In addition to the qualified South Bay workforce, Prop O contractors have had the opportunity to meet with local South Bay construction suppliers and vendors, allowing for further bond dollar reinvestment in South Bay. Prop O has a dedicated outreach team that specifically works to create opportunities for local workers to participate on district projects. Among them, networking events between general contractors and subcontractors, as well as the Prop O Employment Expo, where general contractors on the project were available to speak with and accept applications from local construction workers.

Additionally, the SUHSD Board of Trustees laid the ground work for a long term vision of the environmental and economic impact of district facilities by adopting Board Resolution No. 3794, calling for green building practices to be employed where possible during Prop O construction. The district’s adopted resolution and commitment to green building have resulted in California’s largest LEED Gold-certified school district construction program in-design.

The economic impact of the district’s green building efforts will produce increased property values and a platform for the generation of tomorrow to excel. By implementing green features, students will learn first-hand the ways in which these technologies create a more sustainable community. This knowledge will be rooted in the future workforce of South Bay as they understand the importance of energy efficiency.

Dr. Jesus M. Gandara is the superintendent of the Sweetwater Union High School District in California.

EndFragment

Featured

  • sapling sprouting from a cracked stone

    Lessons in Resilience: Disaster Recovery in Our Schools

    Facility managers play a pivotal role in how well a school weathers and recovers from a crisis. Whether it's a hurricane, a flood, a tornado, or a man-made event, preparation determines resilience.

  • textured paper collage shows a school building on fire as a fire truck sprays water into the flames

    Why a Fire Loss Is More than Flames

    We've all seen what fire damage can do to a property, but the types of damage building owners often encounter after a fire loss can exceed expectations. Having full awareness of the different forms of damage properties can sustain helps owners respond faster, reduce continued damage, and get back on the road to recovery in short order.

  • South Texas K–12 District Debuts Region’s First Electric Bus Fleet

    The Valley View Independent School District in Pharr, Texas, recently announced a partnership with Highland Electric Fleets to launch the district’s—and the region’s—first fleet of all-electric school buses, according to a news release.

  • Creating Long-Term Sustainability on College Campuses Through Fair Student Housing

    The quality of student housing can have a significant impact on an individual’s college experience. Today’s higher education institutions face mounting challenges, including declining enrollment, low retention rates between the first and second years, and a rise in student mental health concerns. Thoughtfully designed living spaces can help address these issues by creating environments that promote both academic focus and personal well-being.

Digital Edition