BUENA PARK : Rebuilt Centralia School to Open in ’93

Centralia Elementary School is rising once again, and student Vanessa May can’t wait until the school is rebuilt.

“It looks like it’s going to be a fun school because it’s indoor and I’m going to get to ride my bike instead of taking the bus,” said Vanessa, a fourth-grader at nearby G.H. Dysinger School.

First built in 1936 at a cost of $65,864 to serve 89 students, Centralia School closed in 1981 because of declining enrollment in Centralia School District.

But with enrollment now increasing, the aged school was torn down this summer and a new, modern $5.1-million school is under construction on the site.

The reason for the new school is simple. Danbrook, Dysinger and Walter Knott elementary schools are overcrowded and operating above capacity, said Centralia Principal Linda Rader, who is overseeing construction of the school.

Rader said two classrooms at the 56-year-old school were saved and will be renovated for child care and community programs. The multipurpose room also will be upgraded, including the addition of new restrooms, an outdoor stage and covered outdoor eating area.

The new 44,000-square-foot school with an arched entryway and peaked roofs with skylights won’t be traditional in design or curriculum, Rader said.

“It’s a school under one roof,” Rader said. “We designed the site to promote current and future curriculum and instructional needs, particularly in the areas of science and technology.”

The focal point of the school will be a media center, computer lab and an art and science room. Clusters of six classrooms adjoin a small-group area, a design that lends itself to team teaching.

The school, near Western and Lincoln avenues, will serve 600 students from Buena Park and Anaheim in kindergarten through sixth grade. Rader said the school is expected to open next August.

Rader said Centralia School will be the first year-round school in the district. Students will attend school over a 12-month period with vacations staggered at different times during the year.

The school will occupy eight of the site’s 11 acres. An affordable senior housing project is planned on the remaining three acres fronting Lincoln Avenue.

Rader said the district is a joint partner in the housing development, which is expected to generate future income to help pay school district personnel and operation costs.

As for Principal Rader, she’s looking forward to the first day of school.

“Having started this project and seeing it through to its completion and to be part of something so unique that will be important to kids is very special to me,” Rader said.

“This is going to be an outstanding school. I can’t wait to get in it.”