Baxter Complex Opening Draws LA and California Leaders

The atmosphere was more rally than ribbon cutting as over 300 people cheered the spacious campus of the new Frank E. Baxter Education Complex and the potential of the Alliance College-Ready opportunity for the students who attend school there.  The $13 million Complex is home to Gertz-Ressler High School and Richard Merkin Middle School. It is the first permanent facility for Alliance charter schools.

“As soon as you walk on this campus, you can feel the difference,” Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa told the audience. “This is the model of what we need to do not just for charter schools for every school in L.A.”  He joined leaders in government, education, and the community for the grand opening celebration on November 17th. 

Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa greets Alliance students at Baxter Center opening ceremonies.

 

The Complex is named for Frank E. Baxter, the founding Chairman of the Alliance Board, who recently was appointed the United States Ambassador to Uruguay.  He charged the audience to share his vision that “Every student in LA deserves the chance to graduate from high school and go to college.”   The high school is named for investment executive and Alliance Board Member Tony Ressler and his wife, actress Jami Gertz.  The middle school bears the name of Board member Dr. Richard Merkin. Ms. Gertz described their commitment to Alliance schools as “repairing the world step by step.”

Californiaís Superintendent of Public Instruction, Jack O'Connell speaks to the gathering of Alliance personel, students, and state and local dignitaries.

Also sharing in the ceremony was Jack O'Connell, California’s Superintendent of Public Instruction, former Los Angeles Mayor and new Alliance Board Chair Richard Riordan, and Caprice Young, president of the California Carter Schools Association.

The two new schools will be the instructional home for 875 students.  Those students were both guides and guests at the ribbon cutting. Taylor Brooks told visitors that attending Merkin Middle School has changed her. “I’m much smarter,” she explained proudly, adding, “I’m going to USC.”  She and her parents visit the campus occasionally, she said, so she’ll know her way around.  Taylor is a sixth grader – off to a strong Alliance start.