Irvine Company Grants Millions for Arts & Science Education

IRVINE, CA — Students and teachers of the Portola Springs Elementary School got a big boost today with a surprise visit from the Irvine Co.

Irvine Company officials delivered a $20 million grant to the school teachers and students as a measure to assist Irvine Unified School District in funding arts and science education for the next decade for the fourth, fifth and sixth grades.

According to Irvine Unified Superintendent Terry Walker the grant is "vital, especially during the shift to Common Core (State Standards Initiative) and new science standards requiring substantially more hands-on instruction."

The last large grant by the Irvine Co. to the school was in 2006. At that time, the developer made the same 10-year, $20 million commitment to the school district. Testament to the program, an Irvine Unified School District Woodbridge High School Teacher benefited from those early programs. He now teaches art in the same district where art was first taught to him.

Matt Takeno knows all about the importance of the Excellence in Education Enrichment Program, and the partnership between the Irvine Unified School District and the Irvine Company.

Takeno grew up a student at Meadow Park Elementary School. His fondest memories of that time are of the art enrichment classes taught by art specialist Ellen Small.

"I made sure never to miss her classes, and the only complaint I have is I wish there had been more of them," he said. His teacher convinced him to follow his dream of having a career in the arts.

Matt is now an art teacher at the Irvine Unified School District Woodbridge High School.

"Teaching art is a unique opportunity to instill passion in kids and inspire them to follow their dreams," he said. "I love teaching. I wouldn't do anything else."

The district will receive $2 million dollars a year for the next ten years to continue the program that pays for over 30 teachers in art, music and science in 24 elementary schools for the next 10 years, Bill Lobdell, information officer for the Irvine Company stated.

"Portola Springs Elementary School, which opened in the fall of 2015, is the newest Elementary School in the Irvine Unified School District," Lobdell said. "We are deeply committed to the long-term success of the Irvine Unified School District and we know that enrichment is an integral part of exemplary student achievement."

Robin Leftwich, The Irvine Co.'s vice president of community affairs, said the company "is pleased to continue its long-term commitment to Irvine Unified School District and the holistic education of its students."

"Enrichment is an integral part of exemplary student achievement and high standardized test scores, elevating Irvine Unified above every other district in the state," Leftwich said.

Photo of Matt Takeno, Irvine Company Photo, City News Service contributed to this report.