Parents concerned over zoning of new Indio school
Back in 2014, residents approved Measure KK, which generated funding for the revitalization of some schools within the Desert Sands Unified School District.
Once school officials took a look at Dwight D. Eisenhower Elementary School, however, they realized the infrastructure could not be safely repaired while children were in school there. Instead of repairing the school, officials decided to build a new facility on a property the district already owned.
Dwight D. Eisenhower Elementary School is expected to be closed at the end of the school year and the new facility will open a couple of miles away, in August. Some parents are concerned about the new facility.
“It affected everybody. Parents were affected in the way that parents had to change things around, scheduling. No matter how you look at it, they are affected either way and it’s hard,” said Irma Chavez, mother of a student at Dwight D. Eisenhower Elementary School.
Those who live in the neighborhood say they are worried about what it will mean for the community and they hope the old building will be used for something positive
“Something that gives back to the community. Adult classes, classes for students here, such as computer classes, art, music. Something that gives back to the community that we could benefit from,” Chavez said.
Some parents who live outside the immediate area, are upset for a different reason.
“Unfortunately, we are not part of the new boundaries that are taking place,” said Gabriela Urias De Jacquez, an Indio Resident.
Jacquez is a mother of two, who hopes the district reconsiders the new boundaries.
“Closest route is through a dangerous neighborhood. Going around it on the freeway or a shorter route that will take us by the new school,” Jacquez said.
The school board is meeting Tuesday afternoon in the Boardroom of the District Education Center, on 47-950 Dune Palms Road in La Quinta. The board will discuss a few different issues surrounding the school.
Parents say they hope the community shows up to make their voices heard.
