BUENA PARK, CA – Buena Park Junior High broke ground May 12 on a $3.1 million, 3,200-square-foot performing arts center that will provide space for the school’s growing theater, choir and band programs as well as District-wide events.

Superintendent Dr. Ramon Miramontes and Board of Education President Tharwa Ahmad, President Pro-tem Jason Chong, and members Irene Castaneda, Jerry Frutos and Rhodia Shead celebrated the launch of construction at the site of the future performing arts center, which has been in the works since 2018. Construction is set to be completed January 2021.

The center will include a performance space with an acoustical suspended ceiling system, four practice rooms, a teacher’s office and two storage rooms.

“I’m really excited that our students will have an opportunity to practice and perform in this amazing new building,” Board of Education President Tharwa Ahmad said. “It’s been a goal for years to create a real centerpiece for our performing arts programs.”

The building is funded through Measure B, a bond measure approved by the community in June 2014. It is being constructed by New Dynasty Construction.

In addition to serving Buena Park Junior High’s performing arts program, the performance space will host intimate performances by the District’s honor band, holiday events and other performances.

“Participation in the arts can significantly boost academic and social-emotional growth in children,” Superintendent Dr. Ramon Miramontes said. “A robust arts program is critical to providing students a well-rounded course of study. Once this building is complete, our students will reap the benefits of a state-of-the-art facility where they can show their creativity to the entire community.”

PHOTO CAPTIONS:

051420_BUENAPARK_GROUNDBREAKING1: Buena Park School District Superintendent Dr. Ramon Miramontes stands at the site of Buena Park Junior High’s future performing arts center, which will provide space for the school’s growing theater, choir and band programs.

051420_BUENAPARK_GROUNDBREAKING2: Buena Park School District’s Board of Education members and Superintendent Dr. Ramon Miramontes break ground on Buena Park Junior High School’s performing arts center. Once completed, the center will provide the school with more room for its growing theater, choir and band programs.