For more than 40 years, generations of students have passed through the doors at Arredondo Elementary School.
Now, thanks to the passage of
a bond election, a badly needed
$11.8 million renovation is underway at the school.
Originally built in 1973, the campus will undergo extensive remodeling and construction, adding more than 66,000 square feet and additional classrooms, plus project and assessment labs. The McCarthy Building Companies and the Tempe Elementary School District recently broke ground on the project.
The newly designed structures will feature six common spaces within the classroom areas, an updated library, a renovated multipurpose room and a 3,500-square-foot cafeteria with a new kitchen and serving area.
Picking up the kids after school, or getting in early to go over lesson plans, promises to be a bit easier too, with increased parking for both parents and staff.
There will also be an enlarged and dedicated bus drop-off and pick-up location, security upgrades and outdoor learning spaces.
But that’s not all. In an era in which school districts are looking for ways to cut energy costs, the renovation at Arredondo will include day lighting within all classrooms as well as new building lighting and mechanical systems, all of which are designed to result in energy savings.
During the renovation, Arredondo students will be relocated to the Meyer Elementary School campus for the 2016-2017 school year.
Arredondo Elementary School’s name honors longtime Tempe residents Alejandro and Josefa Arredondo.
Josefa worked in Tempe Elementary cafeterias and all of the Arredondo children have worked in education.
District Superintendent Chris Busch hailed voters’ foresight in approving bonds to fund the project.
“Because of the overwhelming generosity of our Tempe taxpayers, we are able to provide an innovative and engaging 21st century learning environment for our Arredondo students,” she said.
David Peterson, vice president of operations at McCarthy, added:
“The Education Services team at McCarthy is honored to be leading this school renovation project.
“The renovated school will pay homage to Arredondo’s history while modernizing the facility for 21st century learning.”
