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Board Approves Expansion and Upgrade of Football Field, Baseball and Softball Field and Running Track and Field Event Facilities as part of Theodore Roosevelt High School’s Comprehensive Modernization Project (9-14-2021)
News Release
For Immediate Release Date: September 14, 2021
Contact: Jennifer Valdivia
(213) 414-4812, j.valdivia@lausd.net
Board Approves Expansion and Upgrade of Football Field, Baseball and Softball Field and Running Track and Field Event Facilities as part of Theodore Roosevelt High School’s Comprehensive Modernization Project
LOS ANGELES (Sept. 14, 2021) – Today, the Los Angeles Unified Board of Education voted to redefine the Theodore Roosevelt High School’s Comprehensive Modernization Project to include the expansion and upgrade of the football field, track and field event facilities, and the baseball and softball field. The revised budget of $216,391,148 is being completed funded by Los Angeles Unified and a result of Measure RR, which was passed by 71% of the voters in November 2020. This investment was set in place by the June Athletic resolution, sponsored by Board Member Mónica García, to provide upgrades and improvements to the athletic facilities in Los Angeles Unified School District.
“Our parents, educators and members of the community have requested better athletic facilities and fields to replace old and inadequate spaces at the historic Theodore Roosevelt Senior High School,” Interim Superintendent Megan K. Reilly said. “We know sports are very important to our students. Physical exercise also improves health and playing competitive sports teaches teamwork, collaboration, and leadership. We are very excited to move forward on this comprehensive project.”
"Heartfelt thanks to our voters and Board who make it possible to invest $26.67 million dollars in the football, soccer, and baseball fields at the historic Roosevelt High School," proud Board Member Mónica García said, who proposed the allocation of bond dollars to fund phase two of the campus modernization. "The facilities investment honors our past as part of a larger Chicano/a movement that demanded equitable and safe learning environments that the Boyle Heights community has fought for since the 1968 Walkouts, and looks with optimism to the future as this school nears almost 100 years of service.”
“Thanks to the voters of Los Angeles who passed Measure RR! With your support, we are able to provide Roosevelt High School with new athletic facilities that will benefit our students and the entire school community,” Board President Kelly Gonez said.
“Improving the athletic fields and facilities at Roosevelt High School is a recognition of the importance of sports for our students, our staff and our communities,” Board Member Dr. George J. McKenna III said.
“I’m proud to support today’s decision to enhance the modernization project at Roosevelt High School, giving our scholars updated athletic facilities to preserve their mental and physical well-being,” Board Member Tanya Ortiz Franklin said. “These outdoor spaces not only encourage holistic wellness for our scholars, but they also provide opportunities for our communities to come together and build memories that will last for a lifetime.”
“Thank you, Board Member Mónica García and School Board for your support in ensuring that the Roosevelt High School’s athletic fields are expanded and upgraded as part of the school’s comprehensive modernization project,” Local District East Superintendent Jose P. Huerta said. “The Roosevelt High School and Boyle Heights communities are most deserving of finally being able to compete at home in a safe and secure environment, where they can perform to their fullest potential.”
“I am always happy to see our Board of Education put a priority on our school athletics programs,” Los Angeles Unified Chief Facilities Executive Mark Hovatter said. “Understanding and appreciating that is a critical part of our duty to education. It is sad that not all of our high school sports programs are able to play a home game on an adequate venue on their own campus. With this action, we will be able to continue to address that deficiency.”
“This incredible investment by Ms. García will complete the inspiring transformation and modernization of the Roosevelt campus by including a new track, football, soccer, baseball, and softball fields,” Los Angeles Unified Deputy Chief Facilities Executive Krisztina Tokes said.
“I am so grateful to the School Board and voters for approving this upgrade to our athletic fields that will complement our beautiful new classrooms, performing arts center, wellness center, and gymnasium. Finally, our winning baseball team will have an on-campus baseball/softball field. Our football, soccer, and track programs will have a full-sized, upgraded track and field. Roosevelt is the heart of Boyle Heights and the whole community will benefit from these new facilities,” Theodore Roosevelt High School Principal Ben Gertner said.
“We are grateful for School Board Member Mónica García's tremendous leadership and for championing greater investment for our Eastside schools. This truly is what our Eastside youth deserve!” InnerCity Struggle Executive Director Maria Brenes said.
Nearly 100 letters from Theodore Roosevelt High School students were received in support of this much needed investment. Here are student quotes.
“I will be voting soon and will definitely remember this when it is my turn,” Alejandro Aguilar said.
“I thank you for believing in us and giving us this type of opportunity,” Nathaniel Blanco said.
“I will continue to work hard and not take this school and opportunity for granted,” Rigo Chavez said.
“We will have a closer bond among the team and have something we can all share and take care of together,” Elijah Salazar said.
“I will feel more safe and determined to do my very best in school and on the field, due to the new environment,” Jocelynn Rosas said.
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