By Michelle McKenna
Staff Writer
On Dec. 16, the Measure BB ground breaking ceremony was held in the upper parking lot, marking the ceremonial beginning of the three-year construction plan.
Three years ago, Manhattan Beach passed Measure BB, which provided the funding for the construction. In November, the upper parking lot closed for the construction of the new math and science building. The MBUSD school board is in the process of getting bids from contractors, so the major construction will be delayed until the school year ends.
“Four years ago, the idea of a new science building began,” MBUSD Board of Trustees member Ida VanderPoorte said. “Manhattan Beach provided us the funding to move forward. However, to get the citizens’ approval, an enormous amount of human effort was needed and with the help of volunteers, it happened.”
Members of the Manhattan Beach City Council; the cheer, song, and dance teams; the Mira Costa band; and other officials in the MBUSD were present at the ceremony.
“I was honored to attend the ceremony because it’s the beginning of a huge improvement for our school,” sophomore Juliana Loiola said. “I think it’s a great idea that Costa will open a new math and science building. It will give us and future students an accessible learning environment.”
A camera has been mounted on the building that faces the construction site so it will soon be possible to watch a live feed of the building.
The camera is also taking time-lapse photography so that when the construction is complete, viewers will see the construction in a 30-second video.
“It will be cool to see the video when the construction is completely finished,” freshman Kate Robak said. “Everyone will get to see the before and after.”
At the end of the school year, the demolition of older buildings on campus will take place. The three-phase construction project includes adding up-to-date science labs, a new multi-purpose room, a new student quad, and an upgrade to nearly all classrooms. It will also bring the school new energy efficient equipment and technology.
“Hopefully, [the construction] is not too much of a disturbance,” Deputy Superintendent of Administrative Services Rick Bagley said. “We’re trying to not disrupt people very much. We’ve had good cooperation from all the students and the teachers because I think people are excited that things are happening, so they’re putting up with it.”
The entire construction project should be completed in three years. As of now, the construction of the math and science building is a week and a half ahead of schedule. That construction is expected to be complete in the fall of 2013, so that it is available for use for the 2013-14 school year.
“What’s exciting about Measure BB is we will have great facilities to go along with our already-great students and teachers,” Principal Ben Dale said. “It’s inspiring to know that the facilities will now match the excellence of the school. I’m really proud of our teachers and our kids, and I’m thankful and grateful for the community that made it happen.”
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