Exciting things are happening at Mesa Public Schools as the district’s master plan creates schools of the future. Thanks to funding from the 2018 voter-approved bond, schools across the district are receiving much-needed improvements.
For the past decade, Mesa Public Schools has undertaken efforts to align district facilities to support the needs of students. 2021-22 school year projects include modernized classrooms and open learning spaces to encourage student collaboration, in addition to continued cafeteria and kitchen remodels, and front office security updates.
DEFINING THE FUTURE
Scott Thompson, assistant superintendent of business and support services, shares that community input was vital to the master planning process. The district had several conversations with the community to determine what they wanted for their children.
As a result, the district focused on projects supporting the district’s Portrait of a Graduate and its framework to ensure all students graduate ready for college, career, and community. Projects completed during 2020-21 at Dobson and Westwood high schools allowed the district to continue with upgrades at Mesa and Mountain View high schools in 2021-22.
“We wanted to improve the student experience,” Scott said. “Our community told us they wanted to focus on improving supporting structures for things like fine arts, athletics, and Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs. Other areas of concern were the length of time it takes for a student to walk from one end of the campus to another.”
At Mesa High, a new SciTech building and reorientation of softball fields, tennis courts, and practice fields will make it easier for students to navigate campus. Moving the front office addresses potential security issues, making the campus safer for all.
At Mountain View High, updates include performing arts and media center modernizations, office and classroom updates, and new outdoor areas for students to promote collaboration.
These upgrades change the way students experience education, by creating collaborative and secure spaces. According to Superintendent Andi Fourlis, the district purchased 26,000 devices with bond dollars and 6,000 antennas at all district campuses to ensure schools have safe and reliable internet. Another $2 million replaced outdated classroom projectors with more cost-efficient large screen monitors, so both teachers and students can project lessons and assignments.
“Having the spaces to support the use of technology in the classroom is important,” Andi says. “Students collaborate differently, and it has a huge impact on engaging students in learning.”
To learn more about Mesa Public Schools, visit our website — mpsaz.org.