After moving out of the rundown dance portable into a smaller,
carpeted classroom at the start of the school year, the San Benito
High School dance program will return to the structure next
week.
Hollister – After moving out of the rundown dance portable into a smaller, carpeted classroom at the start of the school year, the San Benito High School dance program will return to the structure next week.
Due to expiring certification, the high school had removed 15 of its portables this summer and replaced six. Because the district was unable to find a bidder for the dance portable, it remained.
But as it turns out, the section of education code stating that mobile buildings not meeting certain requirements must be removed by September 2007 had been changed, extending the date until 2015.
The portables were replaced at a cost of about $500,000 to the district.
“I guess unbeknownst to me the law had changed between the time that we started this project and now,” Director of Finance and Operations Jim Koenig said. “I guess based off the law I’d say we didn’t have to (remove the portables).”
But despite the change in law, some dance students are arguing that the dance portable is sub-par, and they’re frustrated they were told they would get a new dance studio by the end of the year.
Dance teacher Megan Morais addressed the Board of Trustees at an earlier meeting, along with support of about 10 students, asking that the board consider moving forward on a new dance building.
“There are many problems with the old portable,” Morais said. “It’s in a state of deterioration.”
Koenig said although he understands the frustration, many repairs were being done this week so the class could move back in Monday.
“We stopped making improvements to that building some time ago because we thought we were going to remove it last summer,” he said.
Although the permit still allows classes to be taught in the portable, the Board of Trustees will consider bids on building the new dance studio at its next meeting. The estimated cost for the district will be about $600,000, Koenig said.
If the project is not improved, the class will remain in the portable, Koenig said.
“I don’t think it’ll be there until 2015, but now the dance classroom can be considered in the master facilities planning for San Benito High School,” he said.
