Assemblyman Mike Gatto Secures Major Technology Grant for Thomas Starr King Middle School

Assemblyman Mike Gatto announced that he had secured $5,000 in funding for the purchase of iPad minis and eBooks to update the library collection and technology of Thomas Starr King Middle School in Los Angeles.  At the Assemblyman's request, and after a review of Thomas Starr King’s qualifications, the Barona Band of Mission Indians awarded the middle school a “Barona Education Grant.”  Assemblyman Gatto’s nomination focused on Thomas Starr King’s commitment to academic excellence and need for access to updated technology.

This is the third major grant that Gatto has secured for a Los Angeles-area school, including funding for a community garden for the students of College View Elementary School, from Western Growers Association and a new computer lab for Columbus Elementary School from the GTECH After-School Advantage program.  "I have always considered philanthropy a duty of those who are able," said Gatto.   "I thank the Barona Band of Mission Indians for stepping in to supply these children with the tools for learning in the 21st Century."

The Barona Education Grant program was established to help create strong education opportunities for the children of California.  Their first grant was given in 2002 to create the Barona Indian Charter School to serve tribal children and the children of their employees and neighbors.

Assemblyman Gatto said that “The new tablets and updated eBooks will provide the children with the necessary technology to help them excel in the classroom and prepare them for the job market of tomorrow.”

Thomas Starr King Middle School is part of the Los Angeles Unified School District and serves grades six through eight.  It has been recognized for continuous improvement and high academic standards including two “magnet model of excellence awards,” and a rise of more 126 points in API scores in the last three years.

Mike Gatto is the Chairman of the Appropriations Committee in the California State Assembly.  He represents Burbank, Glendale, La Cañada Flintridge, La Crescenta, Montrose, and the Los Angeles neighborhoods of Atwater Village, East Hollywood, Franklin Hills, Hollywood Hills, Los Feliz, and Silver Lake.  www.asm.ca.gov/gatto 

submitted by Justin Hager.

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