Councilmembers announce $900,000 grant for Los Angeles middle school

CMs LaBonge and Garcetti pose for a photo with the King MS national champion drill team, at the announcement of King's $900k Safe Routes to School grant award.

Councilmember Tom LaBonge and Council President Eric Garcetti joined officials and parents at Thomas Starr King Middle School on Monday to announce a $900,000 state grant award to make it safer for students to walk and bike to school.

The grant from Caltrans’ Safe Routes to School program will cover the cost of wider sidewalks around the school; speed feedback signs to encourage drivers to slow down; lighting upgrades in a dimly lit underpass nearby and an education program to promote student safety.

“I support neighborhood schools that kids can walk to from home. They are the community centers of Los Angeles. Thomas Starr King is that kind of neighborhood school and I’m proud that the two council offices worked with state and city officials to make this grant happen,” said Councilmember LaBonge.

Added Council President Garcetti, "The $900,000 Caltrans grant that we are receiving will help us make much needed improvements to our streets and sidewalks that will help us ensure that students at King Middle School can get to school safely. I strongly believe that student safety is directly related to student achievement. We want our kids to be more focused on learning, and less worried about whether they’re going to be okay getting to and from school."

Also on hand for the announcement were LAUSD School Board Member Yolie Flores Aguilar, LAUSD Director of Middle Schools Anne Webb, Caltrans Engineer David Wang, Thomas Starr King Principal Kristen Kaiser and the King Drill Team, which performed for the visitors.