District breaks ground on Sausalito elementary school
The Sausalito Marin City School District has broken ground on its $30 million elementary school construction at 636 Nevada St. in Sausalito.
The ceremonial event on Thursday ushered in a transformational period in which the elementary and middle school campuses of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Academy could be merged at the same complex.
The new school is expected to be ready for students by fall 2025.
“I think it marks the beginning of a new chapter for our district's learning and educational opportunities for our students,” said LaResha Huffman, the district's superintendent.
“It's more than just the construction of a new building,” she said. “It represents our commitment to fostering an environment where we're really focused on innovation, inclusive practices and learning so that all students can thrive.”
Huffman made her comments following a two-hour community meeting on Wednesday. About 100 people attended the meeting online and in person to learn about potential school changes. Another meeting is set for 6 p.m. April 22.
The district will send a survey to parents before the next meeting to gauge their preferences for the school.
The new configurations for the school campuses follow $1.9 million worth of budget cuts in February. The district, facing a $1.4 million deficit and a “qualified” budget certification, reduced hours and imposed layoffs affecting more than 12 jobs. A “qualified” budget certification means the district does not know if it can pay its bills.
The cuts not only closed the gap and allowed the district to achieve a positive budget certification, they also reduced administrative overhead by eliminating