The Morongo Unified School District is proud to announce the official groundbreaking of a brand-new kitchen facility at Twentynine Palms Junior High School. This much-anticipated project marks a significant investment in the health, wellness and educational experience of students and staff.
The $5.5 million project is being partially funded by Measure C, the local school bond measure approved by voters in November. Measure C funds are dedicated to improving school facilities, modernizing infrastructure and ensuring students across the district have access to safe, modern and functional learning environments.
Board President Christopher Claire expressed his appreciation to the community for their continued support.
"This project is a testament to what can be accomplished when a community comes together with a shared vision for the future of its children,” Claire said. “We are deeply grateful to our voters for their trust and support. The new kitchen will serve our students for generations to come."
The new facility will feature a state-of-the-art kitchen building equipped with two speedlines, serving windows, outdoor landscaping and an expanded, covered outdoor dining area all designed to provide students with a more comfortable and enjoyable dining experience. Construction is scheduled for completion in March 2026.
The project is being built in partnership with Ledesma & Meyer Construction Company and Ruhnau Clarke Architects, firms recognized for their expertise in delivering high-quality educational facilities. David Daniels, MUSD Director of Maintenance and Operations, shared his excitement about the project’s progress.
"Our team has worked closely with the MUSD Nutritional Services department, Ledesma & Meyer and Ruhnau Clarke Architects throughout the planning and design process to create a facility that truly meets the needs of our school community," Daniels said. "We are eager to see the construction take shape and look forward to the positive impact it will have on our students and staff."
The Morongo Unified School District extends its deepest gratitude to the voters and community members whose support of Measure C has made this important project possible.