Ocean View debuts its latest school modernization project

Ocean View School District officials, board members, students and local dignitaries gathered on Nov. 15 to celebrate the grand re-opening of Marine View Middle School.

The Ocean View School District has officially unveiled a $26 million modernization project at one of its middle schools.

During an afternoon ceremony on Nov. 15, the district celebrated the grand re-opening of Marine View Middle School, which underwent a year-long, complete overhaul of its campus.

The middle school, located in Huntington Beach, opened in August, when students returned from summer break. But Tuesday marked the official dedication, featuring a symbolic ribbon-cutting ceremony and remarks by Ocean View Superintendent Dr. Carol Hansen and local dignitaries, followed by a tour of the campus. Ocean View school board members, Huntington Beach Mayor Kim Carr and Assemblywoman Janet Nguyen were also among the event’s attendees.

Equipped with a new science lab, art lab, woodshop, media center, dance studio, and kitchen, Marine View is the latest Ocean View campus to receive a complete renovation. Funded through Measure R, a general obligation bond passed by the community in 2016, the new facilities support the school’s comprehensive visual and performing arts program.

“The classrooms at Marine View have been thoughtfully designed for innovation, hands-on learning, and collaboration with peers,” Hansen said. “We are so proud of this beautiful school and the exciting learning opportunities it provides for our students.”

In a nod to the school’s nautical name and location, the front exterior of the school and hallways are adorned with murals of iconic images from throughout Surf City. The modern campus also affords students with new elective opportunities including industrial technology, 3-D printing, robotics, art, dance, and more.

Marine View Principal Sara Schaible says that while the students are enjoying everything about their newly renovated campus, their favorite part is the restrooms — and the murals too.

“It’s the little things,” Schaible said. “You can really see the pride and ownership our students take of their school. It’s really given us a completely different environment, a different and exciting new feel.”

Ocean View serves about 8,000 students in Huntington Beach, Fountain Valley, Westminster and Midway City. Additional information about Marine View’s modernization project can be found by visiting the district’s website.