Orange County elementary school gets $6M update after earthquake damage

BREA, Calif. (KABC) -- More than a year after a magnitude-5.1 earthquake rocked north Orange County, hundreds of students are one step closer to finally returning to Fanning Elementary School in Brea.

"Everything inside this building had to be completely gutted," said A.J. "Skip" Roland, superintendent of the Brea Olinda Unified School District.

The temblor knocked loose asbestos at the school, damaged 20 classrooms and forced its closure, which disrupted the lives of more than 400 students. While some have returned, second through sixth graders are still at Laurel Elementary School.

"Sometimes that means families are split. It means families who are expected to walk to school are having to transport their kids," Roland said.

The asbestos abatement and reconstruction project cost the district $6 million. Officials said the money came from a number of places, including reserves in the city's general fund, and Proposition 39. The district plans to ask the state for some reimbursement.

The school's interior has been transformed from what it was in the 1970s to a more modern campus with new carpet, LED lights and furniture that can be easily moved around. Another addition to the school is updated technology.

"We're looking at 21st century learning, where students are collaborating. They're being creative, using a lot of technology," said Susan Metcalf, principal of Fanning Elementary School.

Before the earthquake, only one room had wireless Internet, but thanks to the upgrades, students can use their computers anywhere on campus. The computer lab has also been updated.

"They'll have LCD projectors on both walls that will allow for interactive video conferencing with people throughout the world," Roland said.

Metcalf calls the quake a blessing in disguise. Students and teachers will return to a far better campus than what they left behind.

She expects students will be able to return to Fanning by the end of the month.