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A new Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) Building is currently under construction on the South Pasadena High campus.
The project, on the Diamond Avenue side of the school, will feature four science labs, six regular classrooms for mathematics instruction, a flex lab (allowing for different programs to be taught), a conference room, student and faculty restrooms, and a locker room for the softball team.
In the science labs, primarily chemistry, along with physics, will be instructed.
“These labs are much needed,” insisted South Pasadena Unified School District Superintendent Geoff Yantz. “The current situation requires teachers to share labs, having them move to room to room to room. There’s just an overall demand for more science labs.”
Bulldozers started clearing the area, including a pair of tennis courts, in late 2017 and, according to South Pasadena Unified School District Superintendent Geoff Yantz, the project will be completed sometime in December.
“It’s roughly a year of construction,” said Yantz, noting, occupancy for instruction will take place the second semester or early January 2019.
Construction is being funded from Measure SP, the local $98 million bond measure passed by South Pasadena voters in November 2016.
“This is the most substantial project, the largest, using Measure SP funds,” explained Yantz. “It’s a project the (school) board had started discussing about 10 years ago, talking about the need and now it’s being accomplished. We’re fortunate the community supported Measure SP and getting close to completion with this project. We’re very excited for the school, the students, the teachers who will benefit from this building.”
The superintendent is pleased to report the new building is on time and on budget. “It’s coming along great,” he said.
