School Bonds Help Sierra Vista Open Multipurpose Room, Kitchen
The campus community at Sierra Vista Elementary School in Arvin has waited many years for its own kitchen and multipurpose room. The wait ended this morning as community members, students, and families gathered for a ribbon-cutting ceremony and tours of a brand-new facility.
District Superintendent Georgie Rhett said that Sierra Vista is the Arvin Union School District’s oldest elementary school and has never had its own kitchen like newer schools in the district. Meals have always been prepared and delivered from the middle school kitchen.
Sierra Vista’s New Multipurpose Facility.
The project is part of a multi-year facilities improvement plan made possible by two school bonds (Measures E and G) passed by Arvin voters in 2014 and 2018.
“The passage of these bond measures affirms the community’s dedication to the well-being and success of its students,” said Rhett. “Our new cafeteria is more than just a physical space; it represents a community commitment to providing our students with the resources to thrive.”
The new facility replaces a well-utilized cafeteria building constructed in 1952. It features increased square footage, restroom facilities, indoor/outdoor dining spaces, and a built-in stage that will be used for student presentations, assemblies, and performances. The former cafeteria will be torn down to make way for much-need parking adjacent to the school’s front office.
A built-in stage will be used for student presentations, assemblies, and performances.
Because this is the first time Sierra Vista will have its own kitchen, it will allow for more scratch cooking and better overall food quality.
“Food will be fresher because it will not have to be pre-cooked, delivered, and kept warm or cold,” said Cafeteria Director Dee Abbema.
The space was also designed with flexibility in mind. It will be used not only for daytime activities but also for afterschool/intersession expanded learning activities and community events.
“This new space is a place to nourish our bodies, minds, and spirits and serve as a symbol of commitment to providing the best possible educational experience for every child who comes through our doors,” Rhett said.
Student cheerleaders helped dedicate the new facility.
By Robert Meszaros
Rob Meszaros is Director of Communications for the Kern County Superintendent of Schools, where he has served since 2012. In his role, Meszaros oversees media relations, internal and external communication strategies, publications, Marcom, branding, and multi-media content creation. Before joining KCSOS, Meszaros was the PIO for CSU Bakersfield and earlier worked for seven years at The Bakersfield Californian.