A school serving military families near Yuma will receive a complete makeover after federal officials approved more than $8 million in construction funding.
Senators Mark Kelly and Ruben Gallego jointly announced the funding approval on September 5, emphasizing the importance of quality education facilities for service members' children.
Yuma Elementary School District One will use the $8,030,235 grant to replace the existing James D. Price Elementary School building, which currently suffers from multiple structural problems. The facility suffers from water damage due to ceiling leaks in classrooms, is disrupted by noise from malfunctioning rooftop cooling systems, and lacks basic amenities, including a student dining hall.
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"Military families deserve good schools where kids can learn and be set up for success," said Mark Kelly. "This grant will fix critical infrastructure needs so that students from kindergarten to fifth grade can finally have the classrooms and resources they need."
Military Significance
The elementary school sits on Yuma Proving Ground, a military testing facility located approximately 25 miles from Yuma's city center. More than 125 students from military families attend the K-5 institution, including children who live on base and those whose parents work there.
"Military children deserve a safe place to go to school and learn – not one that is crumbling," explained Ruben Gallegor. "Rebuilding this school isn't just about fixing walls and roofs, it's about investing in the future of our kids and strengthening this community for years to come."
School officials expressed enthusiasm about finally moving forward with long-discussed renovation plans. Representative Dawn Marie from James D. Price Elementary emphasized that "the new, modern school will represent far more than a construction project—it will be a significant investment in the future of our students and a testament to the enduring strength of our community."
Future Upgrades
The replacement facility will include several upgrades not available in the current building. Several improvements will be included in the new facility. A fully equipped kitchen that can prepare hot meals for students, more space in the theater for indoor activities, and special facilities for teaching music and art are also part of the proposals. The updated layouts and modern safeguards will also be incorporated into the new design to improve the overall learning environment.
Construction of the updated school building will better serve military families stationed at or working near the proving ground testing facility.
"The new facility will embody the resilience of our students, the dedication of our educators, and the steadfast support of our community, serving as a lasting source of pride and opportunity for generations to come," Dawn Marie expressed.
