Board Member Mónica García and Board of Education Select James A. Garfield High School for Major Modernization (11-16-21)

News Release 

Board Member Mónica García and Board of Education Select  

James A. Garfield High School for Major Modernization 

LOS ANGELES (Nov. 16, 2021) – Today, Board Member Mónica García and the Los Angeles Unified Board of Education approved to select James A. Garfield High School as the site for the next major modernization project in Board District 2. The $1.2M will go toward project definition, including due diligence, planning, and feasibility projects. After this initial step, the Board of Education would be in the position to direct the voter-approved Measure RR bond dollars for the major modernization construction project. With community voices at the forefront of the project, the much-needed investment reflects need and desires expressed by the Eastside community. Established in 1925 and with approximately 2,500 students enrolled today, James A. Garfield High School has made significant academic gains, improving from a P5 school to a California Distinguished School. As a flagship school, James A. Garfield High School played a significant role in the 1968 East LA Chicano Student Walkouts and is highly deserving of the support and opportunities for its students to learn, succeed, and lead. 

“This exciting, major modernization project at James A. Garfield Senior High School is a demonstration of Los Angeles Unified’s unwavering commitment to provide a safe and healthy environment that promotes learning,” Interim Superintendent Megan K. Reilly said.

“I am proud of another Los Angeles Unifed action that continues to fulfill the promises of the 1968 Walkouts,” Board Member Mónica García said. “James A. Garfield High School is a flagship school that tells an amazing story of the ganas of a learning community, and the pride of East Los Angeles. Congratulations Garfield High School on your achievements and securing this investment.”

“Local District East and the Garfield High School community are overwhelmed with excitement about the Board’s approval for Garfield High School’s much awaited modernization project,” Local District East Superintendent Jose P. Huerta said. “We are grateful and elated that this high-achieving school and deserving community will soon have the modern facilities to support 21st century learning. Thank you to all involved for making this Major Modernization Project for Garfield High School a reality.”

“Obviously, I am elated at this good news for our community. Because our campus is such a source of civic pride, and has been for so long, no one deserves this more than the students, staff, and parents of our school as well as the residents of east Los Angeles. I want to thank Ms. García and the entire Los Angeles Unified Board for helping to make this plan come to fruition. We cannot wait to break ground and make what has been a dream for Garfield for so long into a reality,” Andres Favela, Principal of James A. Garfield Senior High School said.

“We are once again grateful to Board Member Mónica García for her outstanding leadership in advancing community investments that will impact future generations of Eastside of Los Angeles students,” Maria Brenes, Executive Director of InnerCity Struggle said. “InnerCity Struggle is proud to support the Garfield High School Major Modernization Project and the Wilson High School VAPA project. These projects address educational equity and uplift greater learning opportunities for highest need students. The projects will amplify academic achievement and enhance the positive school climate that our students truly deserve.”