The campus of J.H. McGaugh Elementary School, named after the late superintendent Jerry Hickman McGaugh, was rededicated after an extensive 18 month modernization-construction project.
Just about every facet of the Seal Beach community was represented and on hand to celebrate a new beginning for McGaugh and the 21st century. School board members, district administrators, teachers, students, council people, local city staff, builders, community leaders, and residents all turned out for the event.
McGaugh principal, Daryle Palmer, began the ceremony with a heartfelt graciousness to the many people that made the project successful, manageable and professional. Palmer spoke about the importance of Measure K’s passing in 2008 allowing funding for the modernization project. The audience applauded with great happiness.
“We have a state of the art campus with the best technology, lighting, classrooms, carpeting and best of all, teachers, who will carry on into the 21st Century with the very best for our students,” Palmer said.
Karen Russell, clerk of the Board of Education, spoke about the history of McGaugh School.
In the beginning, there was a woodshop, mechanic shop, and a home economics department.
The entire parcel of land that McGaugh sits on was purchased in 1952 for just over $51,000. The asking price was $57,000.
The school was built in 1956 and served as a K-8th grade campus for many years. Under the original school plan, the auditorium was deemed most important. As McGaugh was built, a 750-seat auditorium was to be included. As the builders examined the high quality of the original auditorium seats, they decided to refurbish and reupholster the seats and they look and feel like brand new.
Russell also noted the fact that “the project came in on time and under budget and the board is delighted!”
Russell also praised the “total team effort” given by all the people involved in the project and closed with a big “thank-you” to Daryle Palmer for doing a fantastic job during the eighteen month construction project.
Senator Tom Harmon’s office presented a proclamation, honoring the Los Alamitos Unified School District, for its dedication to its students and honoring McGaugh School, which was presented to principal Daryle Palmer.
Los Alamitos Unified School District superintendent Gregory Franklin, spoke and immediately gave praise to the Measure K initiative and praised the efforts of dynamic duo Randy and Diana Hill, who, along with many others, made Measure K and important issue in the community as it passed in 2008.
Franklin praised everyone involved with the McGaugh construction plan and referred to them as “the dream team.”
He echoed what Russell said earlier, “the project is on time and under budget and we love that.” Franklin asked the audience to pause for a moment and said “that in November 2008 we approved Measure K, and today, March 15, 2010, barely 18 months ago, we are here to cut the red ribbon to rededicate the school is simply amazing.”
Franklin also thanked Seal Beach councilperson Gordon Shanks and City Manager David Carmany for the excellent cooperation provided by the city. Franklin added that the City acts in the best interest of its students and residents, treating them as constituents, and that their missions (the city and district) are almost identical.
Then, with great pride and big smiles, a huge pair of scissors appeared, and under the snipping ability of many, the ribbon was cut and McGaugh begins anew; with many upgrades and fantastic opportunities for its students, teachers, administrators, and staff for years to come.
