Community Supported growth is an important issue for the district that requires careful long-range planning .
“ We ’ ve been planning for this growth for some time ,” Dr . Flores said . “ We try to maintain an ideal population on each campus . Christopher High School is nearing capacity , and we will be out of capacity at the elementary school level unless we build a new school over the next four to five years .”
Small Community With A Big Heart Dr . Flores is quick to express gratitude for the generous support provided by the Gilroy community . Thanks to voters ’ passage of Measure P in 2008 , the school district received $ 150 million for campus modernization , classroom upgrades and repairs . The funds have been invested in significant district-wide projects designed to provide students with productive , healthy and safe learning environments .
“ We ’ ve accomplished so much thanks to Gilroy voters ,” Dr . Flores said . “ We completed construction of Christopher High School , built the Las Animas Elementary School , and made major improvements across 50 percent of our campuses using these funds .”
Gilroy High School now has state-of-the-art science labs and athletic facilities , and theater renovation is scheduled for this summer . Brownell Middle School has a 6th grade wing . Rod Kelley Elementary School has improved technology infrastructure , a new library and cafeteria facilities . South Valley and a number of other schools now have new fencing as well as restroom , security and fire alarm upgrades .
Elementary school teachers are equipped with mobile interactive whiteboards designed to support student-centered active learning . Secondary school teachers have been provided new desktop computer systems . High school campuses are now 100 percent wireless , with middle and elementary schools moving toward this goal .
Along with Measure P funds , GUSD has received donations from the local community . The Gilroy Foundation is an annual supporter , having donated close to $ 250,000 in 2014 for a variety of needs from music and theater arts to a classroom for the severely handicapped and scholarships for students . The Christopher family donated funds for construction of a sports complex and other needs at Christopher High School .
“ We ’ ve seen amazing support for our schools from the Gilroy Foundation , the Rotary Club and other organizations as well as Gilroy families ,” Dr . Flores said . “ Their generosity compares easily to larger communities .”
High expectations inspire high achievement – GUSD is proofpositive . Here ’ s to the success of the thousands of students who prepare for their futures under the guidance of the teachers and administrators of the Gilroy Unified School District .
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