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NEWS RELEASE - Wave of Improvements Arrive at Pacific Beach Middle School as Demolition Starts Campus Transformation

NEWS RELEASE - Wave of Improvements Arrive at Pacific Beach Middle School as Demolition Starts Campus Transformation
Posted on 07/10/2019

Rendering of Future Pacific Beach Middle School Site

Rendering of Future Pacific Beach Middle School Site. Please note: colors in this image are still being considered.

July 10, 2019

SAN DIEGO - With students and staff out for summer break, Pacific Beach Middle School is ready for construction.

Crews started the first wave of the Whole Site Modernization this week to remove two aging buildings: the existing two-story wing of classrooms, and the existing administration building. A new two-story classroom hall will replace two aging buildings on the Northeast corner of the campus, along Diamond Street.

Second floor interior demolition begins on Buildings 100 and 200 at PBMS

Photo: Second floor interior demolition begins on Buildings 100 and 200 at PBMS.

Principal Kimberley Meng said the campus renovations will ultimately add to the success of the students, who already have language, science, math, and art classes.

“We cannot wait for the transformation,” Meng said. “This building was here for decades and while we cherish the history within this building, it is time for us to have a new, state-of-the-art hall for our students. We are ready.”

On Wednesday, San Diego Unified School District Facilities Planning and Construction department, joined by Balfour Beatty contractors, opened the demolition area up for the media, alumni, staff, students, and parents to observe.

School demolition with student and staff touring and watching

Left: PBMS student tours demolition. Right: PBMS alumni watches demolition inside.

In addition to the new classroom hall, there will be three new classrooms in the library media center, as well as renovation and expansion of existing food service facilities. The nurse's office will also undergo renovation, which will include a waiting room, office, unisex bathroom, exam room, and file storage space.

““I graduated here in 2009 and my mom woke me up this morning and said, ‘Calvin, we need to go see the construction,'” alumni Calvin Ankori said. “It's exciting.”

Alumni Calvin Ankori holds his PBMS 2008-2009 yearbook

Photo: Alumni Calvin Ankori holds his PBMS 2008-2009 yearbook.

Administrative offices will move to the Felspar street corner of the site to create a new and secure campus. The new entrance will be located near the new parking lot and turf field.

Previously installed heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) will be upgraded in the existing science classroom building, media center, and auditorium.

The campus upgrades were gathered at several public input workshops San Diego Unified and the project team held in its planning phases.

San Diego Unified Board Trustee Mike McQuary said he appreciates hearing input from neighbors and parents about how to make our campuses better for future generations of students, including those at Pacific Beach Middle School.

“These construction projects are not only making a difference at schools, but also making a difference for our communities,” McQuary said. “It's a pleasure to watch the projects from start to finish, and bring the community's thoughts to life.”

The transformation is fully funded through Propositions S & Z, passed by local voters. To read more about projects, like the one at Pacific Beach Middle School, visit http://fpcprojects.sandi.net.

WATCH: KUSI news & Channel 10 News Coverage of the demolition