Sausalito, CA – May 21,2008 - The Sausalito Marin City School District revealed and formally dedicated the new Bayside Elementary Campus and announced the academic achievement and honor of becoming a Double Winner School. The sunny afternoon ribbon cutting ceremony took place May 20th in front of the new 5,500 square foot building containing five classrooms and a conference room for Bayside Elementary.

In 2004, Sausalito voters approved the $15.9 million dollar Bond Measure I to upgrade the schools in the district. Financial bonds were issued in 2006 and the district administration and board of trustees worked closely with the Professional Projects Advisory Group, VBN Architects and Turner Construction managers to construct the $2.4 million dollar K-Pod project. Construction was completed earlier this year ahead of schedule and under budget.

Superintendent Dr. Debra Bradley welcomed the attendees framed by a backdrop of two flags awarded to Bayside Elementary by the California Department of Education. Title 1 Academic Achievement Award 2008 and the California Distinguished School 2008 Flag.  Bayside is one of 47 schools in the state to achieve both awards this year making it a Double Winner school.  The California Department of Education website describes the California Distinguished School distinction as honoring some of the state's most exemplary and inspiring public schools. Schools selected for Distinguished School Awards are strong, well-rounded community schools.
The California Business Roundtable recently gave recognition to the school for this honorable status.

Senator Carol Migden and Assembly member Jared Huffman sent representatives to present a declaration recognizing the school administration and students of Bayside Elementary for their academic achievements. Charles McGlashan sent a resolution on behalf of the Marin County Board of Supervisors celebrating the academic achievement of the Sausalito Marin City School District as well as the dedication of the Bayside Elementary facility.  “It is wonderful to see the vision of the board and the community become a reality,” said Bradley.

The ceremony was well-attended and included Sausalito Marin City School District Board of Trustees, President Whitney Hoyt, Vice President Thomas Clark, Dr. Shirley Thornton, Mark Trotter and past members George Stratigos and Paula Francher.  Also in attendance, Sausalito City Council member Jonathon Leone, Sausalito City Manager Adam Politzer, and Sausalito Rotary Club President Chris Gallagher.   Proud parents, teachers, students and residents enjoyed refreshments in the conference room after the ceremony.

Student ambassadors gave guided tours of their new classrooms and proudly showed visitors their accomplishments displayed all around the classrooms.  Flooded with natural light, the large classrooms feature a window seating area for reading and breakout space.  Students Edwin Pena and Leemaja Tillis were asked to name their favorite subjects and they eagerly replied reading and math.   It is clear the students take pride in their new learning environment as they carefully return items to there proper place, it is evident they are aware and proud of their academic achievement and eager to continue down the path living an educated life.