Letter: School expansion plan addresses needs (Printed Oct. 5, 2007)
Posted by Sentry Editor at 10/5/2007 8:53 AM 
Categories: Opinion, Letters to the editor, So Po Schools, Budget
Categories: Opinion, Letters to the editor, So Po Schools, Budget
Editor:
On Nov. 6, South Portland will vote on a referendum to fund additions and renovations to South Portland High School. As a member of the Secondary Schools Facilities Committee, I am extremely proud of our work and the plan presented to the voters.
Three years in the making, the proposal meets our goal of creating a learning facility to address the needs of the children and community of South Portland. Once it was clear that no other parcel of land could accommodate a new school, we situated the new building on the existing site, cognizant of the need to minimize disruptions in the educational process and the neighborhood, as well as preserving the sledding hill. Bus pick-up and drop-off will be in a new dedicated cul-de-sac behind Beal Gym, reducing congestion on Mountain View Road and improving safety throughout the campus.
The new gymnasium and artificial turf multi-purpose field allows Martin Field to host multiple athletic and non-athletic practices and events. The gymnasium also provides a space that will comfortably accommodate graduation and other events, is fully handicapped accessible and allows students to reach playing fields without having to cross busy public access drives. The cost of renovating Beal Gym to allow it to remain as the school’s primary athletic facility would be nearly equal to the cost of a new gym and would result in a substantial loss in capacity. Because of its importance as a city landmark, Beal Gym is retained for educational and community activities and after school practices.
The plan addresses access and structural issues in the South Portland Auditorium. The main lobby will be expanded, easier access to the cafeteria provides staging area for performances, and the air quality will be improved. Our plan creates a true community campus that encompasses the community center, Beal Gym, the new school building and the auditorium.
Our most important concern has been the new building’s educational benefits. These include flexible classroom arrangements as well as upgrading lighting, air quality, electrical and technology systems and science facilities. The building will accommodate any new courses of study aimed at preparing out students for the 21st century. A new library will be built and the award winning Robotics program will also have a new home.
The committee was mindful of the negative impact that could occur on the high school’s accreditation if these renovations and additions do not happen. The present building has numerous ADA deficiencies, obsolete mechanical systems, and asbestos abatement issues. We have met the challenge to create a fiscally responsible proposal that addresses the needs of our students for many years to come. We welcome the opportunity to discuss our proposal with the community.
For more information, contact the school department at 871-0555 or visit ssfc.spsd.org.
Ralph Cabana
South Portland
On Nov. 6, South Portland will vote on a referendum to fund additions and renovations to South Portland High School. As a member of the Secondary Schools Facilities Committee, I am extremely proud of our work and the plan presented to the voters.
Three years in the making, the proposal meets our goal of creating a learning facility to address the needs of the children and community of South Portland. Once it was clear that no other parcel of land could accommodate a new school, we situated the new building on the existing site, cognizant of the need to minimize disruptions in the educational process and the neighborhood, as well as preserving the sledding hill. Bus pick-up and drop-off will be in a new dedicated cul-de-sac behind Beal Gym, reducing congestion on Mountain View Road and improving safety throughout the campus.
The new gymnasium and artificial turf multi-purpose field allows Martin Field to host multiple athletic and non-athletic practices and events. The gymnasium also provides a space that will comfortably accommodate graduation and other events, is fully handicapped accessible and allows students to reach playing fields without having to cross busy public access drives. The cost of renovating Beal Gym to allow it to remain as the school’s primary athletic facility would be nearly equal to the cost of a new gym and would result in a substantial loss in capacity. Because of its importance as a city landmark, Beal Gym is retained for educational and community activities and after school practices.
The plan addresses access and structural issues in the South Portland Auditorium. The main lobby will be expanded, easier access to the cafeteria provides staging area for performances, and the air quality will be improved. Our plan creates a true community campus that encompasses the community center, Beal Gym, the new school building and the auditorium.
Our most important concern has been the new building’s educational benefits. These include flexible classroom arrangements as well as upgrading lighting, air quality, electrical and technology systems and science facilities. The building will accommodate any new courses of study aimed at preparing out students for the 21st century. A new library will be built and the award winning Robotics program will also have a new home.
The committee was mindful of the negative impact that could occur on the high school’s accreditation if these renovations and additions do not happen. The present building has numerous ADA deficiencies, obsolete mechanical systems, and asbestos abatement issues. We have met the challenge to create a fiscally responsible proposal that addresses the needs of our students for many years to come. We welcome the opportunity to discuss our proposal with the community.
For more information, contact the school department at 871-0555 or visit ssfc.spsd.org.
Ralph Cabana
South Portland
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