By Jason W. Brooks
Mail | X: @JasonWBrooks2

Chandler Unified’s Governing Board approved, at its March 26 meeting, remodels of libraries at two elementary schools — after lengthy discussions.

The discussions over whether to spend about $1.3 million to remodel Navarrete Elementary’s library into a media center, along with about $1.95 million on a similar project at Bologna Elementary, were both set in motion largely by objections by board member Kurt Rohrs.

The outspoken fiscal conservative said he feels the board should put at least a few of its “reimagination” projects on hold, especially after its failed bond election last November.

“I just don’t want that ice cube to melt too far, to where we get into a problem,” Rohrs said.

Rohrs voted no on contracts for the two schools, which were awarded to Willmeng Construction on 3-1 votes. Board vice president Barb Mozdzen didn’t attend the March 26 meeting.

Rohrs asked how much money the district has from its 2019 bond election. CUSD’s chief financial officer Lana Berry said there is $14 million in “uncommitted” 2019 bond funds, with the two elementaries and other recently approved “reimagination” contracts excluded.

Superintendent Frank Narducci said the $14 million would be reserved for safety and other critical physical-plant needs, such air conditioning or sewage systems.

CUSD Board President Patti Serrano pointed out that the district’s reimagination process began years ago, before she and Rohrs were elected to the board.

Board member Ryan Heap said he toured the recently completed Conley Elementary media center remodel. He said he’s impressed with both the career and technical education emphasis and the uniqueness of the media centers at each remodeled school.

Narducci said remodeling libraries for less than $2 million, in many cases, is not only less expensive than building all-new schools, it also changes the entire focus of a campus.

At one point, Rohrs asked how return on investment in media centers would be measured in student achievement and performance.

“This is what our parents and the community asked for,” Narducci said. “I think we need to give it some time, as there are so many variables in learning. I believe project-based learned leads to higher engagement, which leads to higher proficiency.”

Jason W. Brooks
Associate Editor

Jason W. Brooks is a News editor for the Daily Independent and the Chandler Independent.

He covers the Chandler area for both yourvalley.net and the monthly print edition while writing for and assisting in the production of the Daily Independent.

Brooks is a well-traveled journalist who has documented life in small American communities in nearly all U.S. time zones.

Born in Washington, D.C. and raised there and in suburban Los Angeles, he has covered community news in California, New Mexico, Arkansas, Iowa, Nebraska and northern Arizona.