The $95 million overhaul of the Redondo Union High School campus was expanded Tuesday night. The Board of Education voted to add a new student union and cafeteria that will include an outdoor quad area and rooftop dining.
The original plans for the Measure C bond construction at the campus called for a $3.6 million revamping of the existing cafeteria. But after realizing cost savings elsewhere on the RUHS campus – including nearly $2.5 million in savings on the new aquatics center and gym alone – the board authorized an entirely new building.
The cost of the new facility – which will include photovoltaic solar panels and LEED “green” certification – was estimated at $6 million.
All five board members supported the construction of the new facility. Board member Arlene Staich and Jane Diehl did not support the rooftop dining area, which added $450,000 to the building’s price tag.
“My concern is about safety,” Diehl said. “I’ve been around too many high school kids. You are going to need a fulltime supervisor up on the roof….I just don’t think it’s advisable.”
Board member Todd Loewenstein said that the additional cost represented a good investment over the life of the building, particularly since bond construction has been under budget. He said the entire community could use the new cafeteria for events.
“For the additional money, we should do this and do it right and not look back,” Loewenstein said.
Superintendent Steven Keller praised the board’s action.
“This will transform the campus, and create almost a center of town,” Keller said. “It creates a center of the school community, and it will be a magnet for the kids and staff.”
“It was a bold statement by the board, really,” Keller added. “Not one of the board members was going to settle for an updated, cleaned up version of the existing structure. They want better, they expect better, and they modeled it last night.” ER
Money well spent? Like the water fountain on the corner of 190th & PCH. Millions of dollars… Will the students appreciate as much as the board does?
Wow $450,000 for rooftop dining? NICE PERK. Yes Arlene & Jane are right. One quick jump or fall off the top will add to the Schools price tag alright. Did they run out of room inside? How long will it take for the $300k in solar panels to pay back? 10 years? 20 Years? Or should they wait until the technology is better?
Has RUHS completed all deficiencies in earthquake safety, energy conservation, electrical, plumbing, disabled access, lighting and security, computer labs, and other repairs voters hear about when the school board asks for a bond? Or are they going to spend most of the money on a cafeteria to have junk food delivered by local fast food companies?