The celebration brought together Houston students, families, staff, and community partners to recognize the transformation of the campus and thank the community for its investment in local schools. The modernization was made possible through Measure A, the $105 million local school bond approved by Visalia voters in 2018. Measure A was designed to support improvements to classrooms, technology, school safety, and balancing of campuses across Visalia Unified.
“Thanks to the incredible support of our community and the passage of Measure A, we’re proud to celebrate these improvements at Houston,” said Superintendent Kirk Shrum. “Our goal through modernizations is to provide every student, regardless of the school they attend, with a high-quality education.”
“Thanks to the incredible support of our community and the passage of Measure A, we’re proud to celebrate these improvements at Houston,” said Shrum. “Our goal through modernizations is to provide every student, regardless of the school they attend, with a high-quality education, because when they succeed, our community succeeds.”
The Houston Elementary project included a wide-range of improvements designed to enhance the safety and learning environments of students and staff.
- New roofing, fencing, concrete, and drop-off zone
- New tile, wall finishes, fixtures, and partitions in student/staff restrooms
- Drainage upgrades to prevent flooding
- Two TVs per classroom, new speakers, wireless access points, and data drops
- New doors, flooring, ceilings, and finishes in classrooms
- Updated fire alarms and added power outlets
- Outdated electrical poles removed
- Portable classrooms: new carpet, paint, and door hardware
- And more
Houston Elementary Principal Monica Saenz also recognized the flexibility and dedication of her staff throughout the construction.
“These updates have created a beautiful, welcoming environment where our Houston Bears can feel valued, inspired, and ready to learn. We see an investment in our students, their education, and their future. I’d like to recognize our incredible staff for their patience and flexibility during the project – this patience is now paying off.”
“The remodel has given us better spaces to learn and play,” said recent alumna Cielo Escareno. “But this remodel is not only for the students here today, it will also help future students, like my sister Estrella, have a safe and comfortable place to learn and create new memories.”
Houston Elementary was built in 1950, making the school over 70 years old. Over 50% of VUSD schools are also 70% old, driving the urgency to upgrade and repair schools for the future of the community. Measure A funds will be exhausted after the upcoming modernization of Veva Blunt Elementary, as well as classrooms added to multiple high schools and a remodel of a building at Mt. Whitney High School to add space for a future advanced learning program.
“Our Board recognizes that for students to achieve at their highest levels, they need an environment that can foster it,” added VUSD Board President Dr. Todd Oto. “That’s why our Board recently voted to place a bond measure on this November’s election ballot. We thank our community for believing in our local schools and for prioritizing students. I hope we can continue to do more of this work together.”