With the conclusion of the 2016-2017 academic year, the Solana Beach School District officially broke ground on the highly-anticipated reconstruction of Skyline Elementary. The ceremony took place two weeks ago on June 9th in front of teachers, parents and community officials.
Land for the campus was originally purchased in 1954, with students first arriving one year later. In the 62 years that have followed, close to 25,000 students have walked the halls of Skyline Elementary. Although historic, many teachers and district officials agreed that it was time for an upgrade at the school. Davy Architecture consequently presented plans for the reconstruction in 2015. These plans became a reality with the passing of Measure JJ last November.
The impressive undertaking is expected to be completed in 18 months while students are housed at Earl Warren Middle School for the time being. What awaits students when they return is, “a state-of-the-art school that will encompass new technology, flexible learning spaces and an environment of discovery and achievement for all students,” according to the president of the school board, Dr. Debra Schade.
The New and Improved Skyline Elementary
Del Mar Times
Impressive details have emerged for the 75,000 square-foot, $39 million campus. The two-story building will contain 27 classrooms, a media center, and a technology lab, creating an unmatched learning atmosphere. A turf field, amphitheater, garden and plenty of play space will fill the rest of the 10-acre parcel of land. In addition, solar panels and energy-efficient lighting will align the campus with the “community choice” program adopted by Solana Beach. Parents will be ecstatic to learn of improvements coming to the parking lot as well. A much larger drop-off area should alleviate some of the brutal traffic issues on Lomas Santa Fe.
Skyline Elementary is hopefully the first community facility of many in line for renovations. Following completion of the project, a similar rebuild will take place at the nearby Solana Vista Elementary School.
