Assembly member Liu presents check for Verdugo Hills.
Funding for School library security and science lab projects.

Friday, August 17, 2001 — Assemblymember Carol Liu (D - La Cañada-Flintrigde) today presented a check symbolizing money she secured in the State Budget for the installation of a library security system and improved science lab facilities at Verdugo Hills High School. Los Angeles Unified School Board Member Julie Korenstein, Director of School Services Maria Wale, Principal Cheryl Dellepiane, teachers and staff happily accepted the check at a press conference in the library at Verdugo Hills High School.

From left to right:
Cheryl Dellepiane, Hector Ornelas, Carol Liu, Bruce Saunders, Maria Wale, John Ralles, Julie Korenstein

Principal Cheryl Dellepiane welcomed the guests to the event. "We know that Assemblymember Liu had a number of proposals submitted to her, all of which were worthy requests. We feel very honored and very special that we made the final cut. This project is something that is going to have a far-reaching effect on our program." As Assemblymember Liu presented the $20,000 check she said, "As a former teacher and school administrator, I know how hard it can be to locate adequate funding for our schools. I'm so pleased to present this check, which will benefit almost 2,300 students here. The upgrading of the library and science labs is an outstanding step in improving the educational environment at Verdugo Hills High School."

The State Budget allocation will help fund the installation of an improved library security system. The new system will help the library maintain and retain its growing collection. In addition, the state funding will be used to upgrade and modernize the school's science laboratories. The school plans to bring the labs up to 21st century standards of technology and safety. The existing labs date from the 1950s.