On February 7, Colton Joint Unified School District (CJUSD) Superintendent Dr. Frank Miranda presented an update on the new state-of-the-art Walter Zimmerman Elementary School project at the Bloomington Municipal Advisory Committee meeting. The project was made possible through months of negotiations between CJUSD and Howard Industrial Partners concerning the planned Bloomington Business Park project located between Jurupa Avenue and Santa Ana Avenue in Bloomington.
“It’s been over 60 years since the last time a new elementary school was built in Bloomington, so we’re very excited about this project.” said Dr. Miranda. Subsequently, Dr. Miranda detailed the process toward school board approval, emphasizing extensive community outreach, which has included a hands-on Design Symposium comprised of four meetings (three in-person, one online), as well as the robust research and thought process behind the various project designs.
Owen Chang, CJUSD’s director of facilities and energy management, then highlighted the incorporation of community feedback along with the data received from various studies to create a list of pros and cons for the different layouts.
The presentation concluded with the forthcoming steps:
· Ongoing drafting and study of various designs tailored to meet the needs of Zimmerman students and parents as well as the Bloomington and CJUSD communities.
· Analysis under the California Environmental Quality Act followed by Review/approval from various agencies.
· The final stages encompass bidding and construction.
The new school will incorporate cutting-edge technology, advanced learning spaces and equipment, air filtration and soundproofing measures, and up-to-date security features.
“We are excited to finally get a new school that the students and parents of Bloomington deserve,” said CJUSD Board President Frank A. Ibarra. “Empowering our youth and investing in our community with a new elementary school, after six decades, is a gift that will enhance our students’ education and build a stronger, thriving community.”
The project timeline is subject to resolution of outstanding litigation filed over the Bloomington Business Park following the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors' unanimous approval of the project in November 2022. It is hoped that the new school can be opened by August 2027.
For additional information regarding the project, please visit zimmermanrebuild.com