(Washington, DC) – Mayor Bowser today cut the ribbon at the newly modernized Murch Elementary School in Ward 3. Since 2015, the Bowser Administration has fully or partially modernized 14 schools, including Murch and five other schools that will open in the fall of 2018. Through these modernizations, Mayor Bowser has focused on building functional spaces that will make it easier for our students and educators to come to school every day and learn and play in a conducive space.
“With these modernizations to our schools, we are not just bringing these buildings into the new era, we are also proving to our students that we are committed to making whatever investments are needed to make them successful,” said Mayor Bowser. “We are creating beautiful and constructive environments for students, teachers, families, and the entire Murch community to think bigger and more boldly about their future.”
After receiving input from students, parents, teachers, and community members, the Bowser Administration more than doubled the initial budget for the school modernization project at Murch Elementary. The $83 million dollar investment in the full modernization of Murch includes a new facility that can now accommodate 720 students, as well as:
- a playground for first through fifth grades;
- a separate playground for the younger students;
- a full-sized gymnasium with a stage;
- a dedicated cafeteria space;
- an updated library and media center; and
- green roofs and green technologies throughout.
“Mayor Bowser’s School Modernization Project has set out a vision for the Department of General Services (DGS) to ensure that all DC schools are positive learning environments, and we have been proud to deliver this at Murch” said Director Greer Gillis, Department of General Services (DGS).