September 25, 2019
SAN LEANDRO, CA — On a day forecast to reach temperatures over 90 degrees, civic leaders and school district officials celebrated an important renovation milestone for San Leandro Unified. The district has completed the installation of new heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) units in all SLUSD schools. These units allow students and staff to be comfortable even during the warmest and coldest days while improving air quality. The impacts of this project have already had a major impact on teaching and learning in the district, according to school leaders. “I have seen a tremendous difference at my school,” said Washington Elementary Principal Elisa Alvarez, “Everyone is able to focus on teaching and learning, instead of weather forecasts. It is not an understatement to say this improvement has been lifechanging for us at Washington.”
The ribbon cutting event was held at Washington Elementary and was attended by members of the Measure J1 Bond committee, which provided funding for this ambitious project. The bond was passed by San Leandro voters in 2016 by an impressive 75% approval margin. Bond Co-Chairperson and former San Leandro Mayor Stephen Cassidy spoke at the event and shared the degree to which community support brought this project to completion. “I am so proud to stand here today, knowing the enormous amount of collaboration this moment represents,” said Cassidy, “San Leandro Schools have been improving so dramatically in all aspects over the past several years and I have every reason to believe this trajectory will continue.”
Also in attendance at the event were current San Leandro Mayor Pauline Cutter, San Leandro City Councilmember Victor Aguilar, SLUSD Superintendent Dr. Mike McLaughlin, J1 Bond Co-Chairperson Melinda Bradford, bond committee member Xouhoa Bowen, SLUSD School Board President Leo Sheridan, Board Trustees James Aguilar, Evelyn Gonzalez, and Diana Prola.
For more information about San Leandro Unified schools, the public is invited to hear directly from Dr. Mike McLaughlin at his annual State of the District address on October 11 in the San Leandro High School gym at 8:30 am. Guests are encouraged to RSVP on the front page of the district’s website at www.slusd.us.
About the San Leandro Unified School District
The San Leandro Unified School District operates a comprehensive TK-12 program and an adult school at campuses throughout San Leandro. The district educates its students by utilizing state-of-the-art technologies and innovative teaching strategies to help students achieve academic excellence and become collaborative and competitive in a global society. For more information, visit www.slusd.us
