Grand Opening: A Whole New Monrovia High

Four years and $60 million later, the school district officially unveiled the results of a massive renovation project Wednesday that transformed from a crumbling relic into what officials now call a state-of-the-art learning environment.

Borne out of a $45 million Measure M bond initiative passed by voters in 2006 that was married with other public funding sources, construction on the project commenced in 2007. The fruits of the district's labor were revealed to the public for the first time during a ceremony and guided tours Wednesday night.

"We're able to present to you today a modern, world class high school ready for our world class students," newly reelected School Board President Ed Gililland told a crowd gathered in front of the high school Wednesday.

The list of new and renovated buildings on campus is long. In addition to a brand new auditorium, football field, science building, observatory and gymnasium, the school also upgraded its laboratories, auto shop, tennis courts, ceramics studio, and media center.

Monrovia High students led the tours through the campus Wednesday, taking onlookers into each new and modernized facility, including the technologically enhanced classrooms.

Math Wing

In the math wing, geometry teacher Sandy Shiber explained the new high-tech capabilities of MHS classrooms, showing off the handheld tablet computer hooked up to a wall projector she uses to guide lessons. Her classroom was also outfitted with four desktop computers and a ceiling-mounted sound system hooked up to a microphone that Shiber wears during lessons.

"It's not like the good old days," said one tour taker after leaving Shiber's classroom.

The evening finished with the dedication of the school's brand new auditorium in honor of former MUSD Superintendent Louise Taylor and featured musical performances from Monrovia students.

"Thanks to the generosity of the voters of Monrovia, the school now has a very professional performing arts center that is able to host many, many different types of events," Superintendent Linda Wagner said before introducing Taylor, whom she described as a champion of the arts.

Taylor took the podium and said the new facilities will greatly enhance each student's learning experience.

"Look at this beautiful auditorium. This auditorium is going to allow our students in the arts and music and drama and dance to perform with great pride," Taylor said. "And you as a school community are going to come together to celebrate the highest of achievements for our students in the academics, the arts, the athletics--the whole arena."