Erin Park
BURBANK -- In preparation for major construction at John Burroughs and
Burbank high schools, officials have been hustling to relocate some
classrooms and complete environmental assessments of the campuses.
With construction scheduled to begin in late fall, the Burbank Unified
School District has been utilizing the summer vacation months to enable
the campuses to maintain the same quality of education during the school
year, which begins Sept. 5, district officials said.
The work at the two high schools is part of a $161-million overhaul
that will affect all of the district's 18 campuses. Set to be completed
over six years, the improvements are being funded by a $112.5-million
bond passed by Burbank voters in 1997 as well as city, state and federal
grants. Some money from the district's general fund will also be tapped,
officials said.
At Burbank High, 11 portable classrooms have been moved to the tennis
courts, said Ali Kiafar, assistant superintendent for planning,
development and facilities.
"The portable classrooms are actually nicer because they're
air-conditioned," said Sue Boegh, the district's public information
officer and director of career education.
A sewer line under the school's football field is also being relocated
to avoid problems during construction.
At John Burroughs, a similar relocation program is taking place, along
with asbestos abatement in several areas. Also at Burroughs, portable
food carts from district food services will be available for students in
the quad area in lieu of the cafeteria, which will be demolished in early
fall, said Boegh.
A house on Parish Place, which was purchased by the district three
years ago, was demolished in the spring to allow for further expansion of
the school.
Although the construction work is sure to create some inconveniences
for students and teachers, district officials said parking problems
during construction is shaping up to be the biggest challenge.
The city of Burbank is working with the district to alleviate parking
obstacles by changing some parallel parking to angled parking around the
campus perimeter, officials said.
"We anticipate some problems in the neighborhood, but ask the
community to keep its eye on the prize," said Burbank Board of Education
Vice President Elena Hubbell.
District officials said the modernized schools will increase the
quality of education and boost city pride, but some residents are feeling
sentimental about the changes.
Sally Doyle, who was born and raised in the Burbank, expressed sorrow
in bidding farewell to her alma mater, John Burroughs, as she knew it
when she graduated in 1955.
"I realize, though, that things need to be updated and kids need to go
to school," Doyle said.
HIGH SCHOOL CONSTRUCTION:
BURBANK HIGH:
* Administrative offices
* Two- and- three-story classroom buildings
* Library
* Science labs
* Cafeteria
* Center quad
* Industrial arts building
* Three-court gymnasium
* Swimming pool
* Two-story parking structure with tennis courts on top.
* Performing arts classrooms and auditorium will be modernized.
JOHN BURROUGHS HIGH:
* Three-story classroom building
* Cafeteria and lunch shelter
* Gymnasium with a mezzanine, boys' and girls' locker rooms
* Swimming pool.
* Two-story building entrance to the school will be renovated and
performing arts, auditorium, science, business and computer labs will be
modernized.
