Skip to main content
Add as a preferred source on Google

STEAM-Focused Elementary School Kicks Off Whole Site Modernization

  • By Matt Jones
  • 06/17/22

Franklin Elementary STEAM Magnet School, part of the San Diego Unified School District in San Diego, Calif., recently broke ground on a whole site modernization project. The project will see the new construction of a two-story classroom building, as well as renovations and modernization to all classrooms and a wide variety of campus enhancements, according to a news release.

“Franklin has served generations of students in the Kensington and City Heights communities for 93 years and counting,” said Dr. Lamont Jackson, Superintendent of the San Diego Unified School District. “We’re excited to bring Franklin students new facilities and technology that will enhance their educational experience, while creating new memories that will carry onto the next generation.”

According to a news release, the new classroom building will feature amenities like collaborative workspaces, staff lounge and food services kitchen. The student dining area will be expanded to include an outdoor shade canopy. Safety and security improvements are set to include a student services suite; a single, monitored point of entry; a modern public address and intercom system; cameras; fire alarm and intrusion systems; and secure fencing around the entire perimeter. The school will also see renovations to its kindergarten and higher-grade playgrounds, set to include a learning garden with a shade canopy and a landscaped bioretention basin.

“You walk onto our campus and you can see and feel the history,” said Franklin Principal Melissa Roy-Wood. “But you also see aging buildings and a need for expanded play areas. So, we are beyond ecstatic about this makeover.”

The project is being funded through Propositions S and Z, as well as Measure YY, both local bond measures approved by local voters. The district partnered with Safdie Rabines Architects for site design and with C.W. Driver for construction. Construction is scheduled for completion in late 2024.

About the Author

Matt Jones is senior editor of Spaces4Learning. He can be reached at [email protected].

Featured

  • Northeastern University Breaks Ground on New Housing Community

    Northeastern University recently announced the groundbreaking of a new student housing community on its campus in Boston, Mass., according to a news release. The university is partnering with American Campus Communities (ACC) for development of the project, which will have the capacity for 1,200 students and has a scheduled completion date of fall 2028.

  • Houston-Area High School Breaks Ground on 117,000SF Multi-Use Facility

    North Shore Senior High School, part of Galena Park ISD in Houston, Texas, recently broke ground on a new multi-use facility for student extracurriculars, according to a news release. The North Shore Multi-Use Facility will include dedicated practice and training space for the school’s athletics and fine arts programs.

  • Zurn Elkay Releases 2025 Sustainability Report

    Zurn Elkay Water Solutions recently announced the release of its annual sustainability report, according to a news release. The 2025 report discusses the organization’s efforts to maintain good environmental stewardship and the solutions provided in helping customers meet sustainability goals.

  • blurry image capturing students navigating crowded hallways between classes

    How Human Behavior Data Is Reshaping Campus Facilities Management

    The ebb and flow of students, faculty, and administrators across a campus have a larger impact on maintenance, cleaning, and sustainability than many realize.