By Emily Dubinsky
Social Media Editor
And Brad Hofmeister
Staff Writer
After approval from the Manhattan Beach Unified School District Board of Trustees, Measure EE, a proposed plan to renovate Mira Costa’s Fisher Gym, was added to the Nov. 8 ballot for Manhattan Beach residents to vote.
The board’s approval of Measure EE issues a $39-million bond to rebuild the 65-year-old Fisher Gym and construct an athletics education complex for Physical Education classrooms and locker rooms.
The board approved this plan for the ballot at its Sept. 7 meeting, along with Measure C, a plan for the renovation of the district’s elementary school facilities.
“Fisher gym is outdated and not big enough for our programs,” MBUSD Assistant Superintendent Dr. Dawnalyn Murakawa-Leopard said. “We need [a gym] to support the teams and community groups that use Fisher Gym as well.”
At the Nov. 8 vote, the bond measure needs a 55-percent approval from voters in order to pass. If the measures are passed, then the renovations will begin immediately and will last approximately 18 months, Costa Principal Dr. Ben Dale said.
Manhattan Beach households will have to pay approximately $5 a month for Measure EE if the bond is approved. The cost of the bond is tax deductible.
“Some structures have not been touched ever since they were built,” Murakawa-Leopard said. “There are a lot of deteriorating systems that need to be upgraded.”
During the construction period, athletes will have to travel to set locations at either Redondo High School, American Martyrs School or Manhattan Beach Middle School to train for their various athletic programs.
“Practicing in another gym will be annoying,” senior and boys varsity basketball Captain Ryan White said. “However, I think the remodeling will be well worth it. Besides this being an inconvenience to the people driving to a different gym, I do not think our team will be affected while the gym is being built.”
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