Challenges of Providing Facilities in HB City School District

By Shirley A. Carey

Successful agreements with the City and developers have resulted in a new wing at Dwyer Middle School and the reopening of Peterson School and sport fields. A ground breaking ceremony for the new school was held last week. The facility challenges that are ahead include opening yet another school to reduce current overcrowding. Proven leadership will benefit the community.

Due to the implementation of class size reduction and the larger than expected population growth on the east side of Beach Boulevard, we have also added over fifty portable classrooms on existing campuses. However, as the article in the Huntington Beach-Fountain Valley Independent (September 15th) points out, our schools are full to capacity. The core facilities, such as the lunch areas, kitchens, bathrooms are not designed to accommodate 700 elementary students or 1200 middle school students. Overcrowding, especially at Sower's Middle School, must be addressed if growth continues.

Revisiting the Facilities Master Plan must be one of the first actions of the Board of Trustees following the November election. A new demographic study needs to be prepared for the report prepared in about 1994 underestimates the population growth in local neighborhoods. Long term planning must be based on sound demographic data. Simultaneously, the District needs to evaluate student programs needs and project facility requirements over the next five to ten years. As soon as possible, the Board of Trustees and administrative team needs to come together to update the existing Facility Master Plan. All options need to be considered and community input, is of course, an important part of the process.

As a community leader, I understand the importance of looking at the "big picture" and establishing long-term goals. My action plan would include five to ten year projections and avoid short-term fixes to meet immediate needs. As a community member, I recognize the importance of balancing the need for new construction with the need for upgrading and modernization of existing school As an advocate for students I also understand the importance of continuing to improve their access to technology at both the existing and new facilities.

As a proven leader who represents this community, I am prepared to facilitate the necessary changes in the plan. My persistence and commitment to the citizens of Huntington Beach were a key to the successful projects listed above. I look forward to bringing that experience and skill to the facility challenges currently facing the district.