MILILANI SENATORS ANNOUNCE CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT FUNDING RELEASE
Mililani Middle School receives $21.375 Million for new classrooms
HONOLULU, Hawai‘i – Senators Michelle N. Kidani and Donovan M. Dela Cruz are pleased to announce that the Governor recently released $21.375 million to fund the construction of a new classroom building at Mililani Middle School.
Mililani Middle is 1 of 3 schools remaining on a multi-track calendar. The multi-track calendar was created as a way to optimize facility use at overcrowded campuses. While this concept may manage large student populations, it has been challenging for faculty, parents, and students. In addition, students on multi-track calendars do not receive equitable school hours.
Since learning about the issue, the Legislature was proactive in providing support. Working with the Department of Education and school faculty, it was discovered that the middle school needed a minimum of 15 additional classrooms to transition to a single track calendar. To provide an immediate solution, the Legislature appropriated $23 million to design and construct classrooms at the middle school.
“Many thanks to Mayor Caldwell and the City Parks Department for their help and partnership with us. Also kudos to Mililani Middle School Principal Elynne Chung who worked with us, the City, MMS staff and families to formulate a workable transition plan,” said Senator Michelle Kidani (Dist. 18 - Mililani Town, portion of Waipi‘o Gentry, Waikele, Village Park, Royal Kunia), Chair of the Senate Committee on Education. “The Legislature was quick to support the new building and property acquisition to make the plan a reality.”
Given the lack of adequate space on the current campus, the Department of Education will acquire less than one acre of the Mililani Mauka Community Park. The City & County of Honolulu is actively working with the Department of Education on the expansion of the middle school. Park users will also have weekend access to the school's new parking lot.
“The Mililani community will greatly benefit from this transition,” added Senator Donovan Dela Cruz (Dist. 22 - Mililani Mauka, Waipi‘o Acres, Wheeler, Wahiawa, Whitmore Village, portion of Poamoho), Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. “Families with more than one child can now plan for one school calendar and park users will have additional parking on the weekends.”
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