Written by Dominic Marziali
Staff Writer
Photos by Thomas Forman
Photography Editor
Temporary math classrooms have just finished construction at South Pasadena High School to allow for the construction of a new math and science building. The new bungalows have been installed on the practice field to accommodate for the math classes that have been displaced since the old bungalows have been demolished to allow construction of the permanent, two-story math and science building. The math and science building is set to be completed by the end of 2018.
According to Assistant Superintendent of Business Services Dave Lubs, the bungalows will cost about $400,000. The total cost includes the price of labor, utilities, safety requirements, and more. The construction of the bungalows, math and science building and other district projects are funded by Measure SP, a bond measure that passed on the November 8, 2016 ballot, which has raised $98 million for the upgrading and repair of South Pasadena schools. A facet of Measure SP is to fund construction of a new math and science building at SPHS which will continue throughout the 2017-2018 school year. The temporary bungalows will be complete for the 2017-2018 school year, and construction began June 9.
Classrooms that serve multiple purposes, for engineering and STEM programs, will be appropriately equipped to give students an education that reflects real world challenges. Until the two-story math and science building is complete, however, math classes will be taught in the new, temporary bungalows.
At SPHS, funds from Measure SP will be used to construct a new training room for sports medicine and physical therapy, as well as the restoration and modernization of the performing arts theater. Other priorities include installing solar panels district wide to reduce carbon emissions, improving environmental sustainability, and lowering utility costs.
Safety is a priority for the district, because of this they have decided to improve phones, lighting, and emergency communication tools. Furthermore, the auditoriums at the middle and high school will be retrofitted using Measure SP funds.
