Covina District Upgrades Its Facilities : Renovation: Thanks to $24 million in grant money, officials have purchased new computers and modernized buildings.

The 40-year-old linoleum floor of Covina High School’s cafeteria was cracked, peeling and soiled with food spills dating back to the 1950s. Noisy, clunky air conditioners were positioned on the outside of classroom windows and students learned to type on typewriters.

That is, until this year, when $4.5 million from a state bond was allocated to the high school as part of an effort to modernize schools more than 30 years old. Construction began last February and has transformed the once dreary institution with rusty orange doors into a bright, cheery environment with state-of-the-art equipment.

Sixty color Macintosh computers fill two classrooms. Amid the lemon-colored walls, students learn accounting, algebra and typing through computer software.

“The kids just love working on (the computers),” said Jenny Salberg, who teaches algebra, accounting and computer application classes. “And I can tell that the kids who normally would give up are more persistent when they work on computers.”

Covina High has new physics and photography labs, a new gymnasium floor, new security, air conditioning and lighting systems, greater access for the disabled and a new administration building.

“The ceiling tiles in the old administration offices were still falling down from the Northridge earthquake,” said Karl Major, Covina High School principal. “It was cluttered with old furniture and the lighting was terrible.”

The high school has completely done away with blackboards and chalk, opting for white boards with erasable colored pens. Students have new desks, the walls are either pale yellow or white, and the overall effect is one of brightness and expansion.

The Covina-Valley Unified School District applied for the bond in 1988 and received $24 million in 1994 for 14 schools in the district. Each school received a different amount depending on its need. The district serves parts of Covina, West Covina and Irwindale.

Barranca Elementary School, built in 1958, received $900,000 for renovations. Construction began in July and should be finished in two weeks, said Kathy Contreras, Barranca principal.

“We have new computers, carpeting, furniture, lights, paint and, unfortunately, a lot of mud,” said Contreras, referring to the recent rains. “But everyone is very happy, and teachers especially are very excited.”

The funds also paid for asbestos removal and new administrative offices at Barranca.

Construction at Covina High is winding down, and the 1,250 students who spent almost a year in portable trailers are all back in shiny new classrooms.

“All this new technology is really going to be a big help,” said Carrie Sarnicky, assistant superintendent of business services for the district. “The heat and air conditioning systems are more efficient, and it’s just a much nicer environment all around.”