By Bradley Hofmeister
Staff Writer
Manhattan Beach Unified School District Superintendent Dr. Michael Matthews and Mira Costa Principal Dr. Ben Dale presented the community bonds Measure C and Measure EE at the MBX Partner Fair on September 12 in the Costa cafeteria.
Due to the outdated Mira Costa High School athletic facilities and middle school and elementary school safety necessities, Manhattan Beach Unified School District voted to place the two bond measures on the November 8 ballot Dale said. The bonds address safety renovations needed at the middle school and the construction of a new Athletics Education Complex at Costa.
“Our hope is to always have a facility that matches the quality of our athletic programs,” Dale said. “I’m also proud to announce that we were recently named Cal High Division 2 sports school of the year.”
Bond measure C addresses the need to renovate the elementary and middle schools by repairing deteriorating roofs, electrical work, and plumbing. It also replaces the portable classrooms, the addition of complete air conditioning and earthquake-proof buildings.
Website: Bond Measure C.
“Passing this bond for kids today and the next generation is an absolute necessity,” Councilmember Mark Burton said. “Our schools are why we are such a great city.”
Bond measure EE plans to rebuild the 65-year old Costa Fisher Gym and to create a new Athletics Education Complex. Additionally, it proposes the replacement of the wooden gym courts and the construction of instructional space, locker rooms, offices, training facilities, laundry, storage, bathrooms, ventilation, electrical and plumbing units.
Website: Bond measure EE.
“For a school like Costa, the Gym is an embarrassment relative to the quality of instruction and athletic program we have,” Dale said. “I think it’s clear to anybody who knows about the condition of our gym that it just doesn’t match who we are and what we represent.”
If both bond measure C and EE pass on the November 8th, then steps will immediately be taken to start the new renovations, Dale said. The Costa renovations are estimated to last for about 18 months Dale said.
“Over half of our students are involved in athletics, so that’s over 1,000 kids who will be utilizing the facilities that are a part of this bond,” Shaw said
If the bonds pass, Costa’s athletic structures will be under construction. Athletes will have to travel to set locations at either Redondo High School, American Martyrs School, or the Manhattan Beach Middle School to train for their various athletic programs.
“Nothing happens quickly. We have to look to the future and analyze what our needs are rather than wait for a later date,” Matthews said. “I can think of no good reasons for waiting.”
The common Manhattan Beach household will have to pay approximately $5 a month for measure EE and $15 for measure C if the bonds pass. The total cost per year would come out to be about $600 and the costs are all tax deductible.
“We need upgraded facilities. We need facilities that can help our students and help the community.” said Shaw.
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