Education's Impact on Economic Development
- By Dr. Jesus M. Gandara
- 08/01/10
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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.
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