Officials break ground on Corvallis project

NORWALK-- A groundbreaking ceremony was held last Thursday for major exterior renovations at Norwalk-La Mirada Unified School District’s Corvallis Magnet Middle School.

The afternoon event marked the start of extensive landscaping improvements, new construction, remodeling work and an outdoor marquee at the campus. The renovation project — scheduled to take a year to complete — is funded through Measure G, the district’s capital improvements bond passed by voters in 2014, and a similar bond, Measure S, which was passed in 2002.

“This work is one of several cost-effective projects for the district that will help provide more safety and convenience for our students, staff and visitors,” said NLMUSD Board of Education President Chris Pflanzer. “It’s also a smart and long-term investment for the community.”

Corvallis Middle School, which opened in 1962, is a science-technology-engineering-mathematics and arts magnet school with an enrollment of more than 700 students. The site, located near Norwalk High School, has been in need of various property-wide improvements for its playground areas, parking lots and pedestrian walkways.

Work at Corvallis will begin in a few weeks with the project expected to be completed in December 2018. Interior renovation work has been done at the campus in previous years through Measure S funds.

“We are very happy to celebrate this beginning for wonderful improvements that will help the school continue its excellent education programs and strong record of academic achievement,” said district Superintendent Dr. Hasmik Danielian.

On hand for the ceremonial turning of the shovels were NLMUSD Board of Education members and district administrators, along with staff, students and parents. Also in attendance were City of Norwalk elected officials and administrators along with local business representatives.

Another groundbreaking event for similar exterior renovation work at Benton Middle School in La Mirada took place Dec. 13. The project is also expected to take about a year to get done. Benton Middle School, built in 1952, is a magnet visual and performing arts campus that serves 500-plus students.