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Board approves community-funded mural at Newark Middle School; artist will donate remainder after fundraising
Summary
Trustees approved a volunteer-led exterior mural at Newark Middle School after PTSA and community members described fundraising, in-kind donations and a projected total cost of about $31,000; board discussed maintenance and protective coatings before approving the project.
The Newark Unified School District board approved a community-funded mural to be painted on an exterior wall of Newark Middle School, a project led by the school's PTSA and a parent artist who offered significant in-kind support.
Cara Krad, PTSA president at Newark Memorial High School (presenting as a parent volunteer for the middle school project), said the group obtained a $3,000 mini-grant from the Rotary Club and a $1,500 mini-grant from an Alameda County program. The PTSA committed $4,000 toward the artist's design and execution; artist Steve Ha estimated the full cost of design and execution at about $31,000 and indicated he would donate the remaining value as an in-kind contribution if fundraising falls short.
"This is a community effort," Krad said, thanking volunteers and the school leadership. Artist Steve Ha, who has completed murals at other district sites, described the artwork and said he would contribute labor as an in-kind donation.
Trustees discussed operational questions—most notably how to protect the mural from graffiti and how future facilities work funded by Measure O could affect site painting. Vice President Jones and others urged applying a protective/coating layer and coordinating mural placement and school repainting schedules so the artwork is not damaged during future maintenance.
The board moved to approve the mural project; the motion carried by roll call (six yes). Staff and the PTSA said they will coordinate placement, anti-graffiti coating options, and ongoing maintenance planning, and will report any additional funding needs to the board before work begins.
