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School Board Delays Middle School Construction Again

A new call for bids will go out in April.

Though some funds from the $350 million Measure TT bond approved in 2008 were earmarked for a new Sierra Madre middle school, students still have no new permanent classrooms. And it doesn't look like they will for a while yet.

The Pasadena Unified School District on Tuesday decided to delay the construction of the middle school after bids for the $22.5-million project came in way over budget, according to a report in the Los Angeles Times. The board initially got only six bids from eight prequalified contractors, but will now put out a new call for bids to a wider range of contractors in April, the Times report said.

The new campus will have 22 classrooms, a computer lab, two science labs, a gym, library cafeteria and a parking area, according to plans (see the proposed site plan on the Measure TT Bond website).

But for now, students will continue attending classes in trailers.

The new construction bids are just one in a series of delays and bad news for the project, which has already had to go through a series of cutbacks due to budget cuts and questioning by parents about transparency and budgets that seemed askew to them.

School board officials explained this latest delay was all about fiscal responsibility.

"I'm sorry as can be that the middle school has taken so long to build," said board president Renatta Cooper, as reported by the Times, "but we can't afford to spend more on it than it should cost. We have to be wise fiscal stewards."

Tom Brady January 25, 2013 at 12:21 pm
Dear Rennata Cooper and principal Esther Y. Salinas,
Perhaps it is time to examine honest construction resources based right here in Sierra Madre. On Feb 2nd, LeVeque Construction celebrates a quarter century of quality building and construction in the San Gabriel Valley. Just ask Msgr.. Richard Krekelberg from St. Rita School and parish or Father Pat Brennan, Director of the Mater Dolorosa monastery in Sierra Madre or the hundreds of other customers who relied on honest work, built on time and on budget. What we have witnessed as a community regarding the construction delays and outrageous cost over runs for our PUSD Sierra Madre Campus is simply inexcusable and irresponsible. I hope you have an opportunity to meet Mr. Anthony and Jim LeVeque in person. They have lived in our community since the 1960's and Barbara LeVeque still lives in the original home built in the 1950's. We all look forward to seeing your building plans on North Canon campus become a reality. Sincerely. Tom Brady resident , Rotary Club president 2011- 2012
D Shelley January 26, 2013 at 12:59 am
Gee Rennata, Wouldn't wise "fiscal stewards" have determined what a new school would cost BEFORE THEY TORE DOWN THE OLD ONE!?!? Wouldn't they have researched whether they had the additional students to even fill an additional school without collapsing and closing an existing one? Since when has the PUSD shown wisdom or integrity in ANYTHING they have done in the last 20 years???
D Shelley January 27, 2013 at 02:26 am
Just curious, Patch... Why are you using a picture of Sierra Madre Elementary School to illustrate this article? Why not show a picture of the middle school's temporary structures and the empty lot? That's what the story is about. Last time I checked, an illustration or photo should go with the story.
kitinhills January 28, 2013 at 09:26 pm
I was kind of puzzled myself at the picture of the Elementary school and what it had to do with the story. Whoever supplies photos on here obviously doesn't live in town.
lawrence rober January 30, 2013 at 01:05 am
I've had firsthand experience with Jim Leveque and I wouldn't let him build a doghouse much less a elementary school. He is no more honest or trustworthy than the people they are already getting bids from. I suggest you look elsewhere to find a reputable contractor.

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Note Article
Just a short thought to get the word out quickly about anything in your neighborhood.
Share something with your neighbors. Write a new post... What's up? Make an announcement, speak your mind, or sell something
Dan Abendschein (Editor) June 18, 2013 at 09:11 am
I would say Eric, for the same reason you posted this announcement on Patch - so other Sierra MadreRead More residents will read it.
lisa June 18, 2013 at 02:29 pm
I'd like to see more effort put toward leaf blowers and lawn mowers ... Te
ANALILY PARK June 18, 2013 at 03:17 pm
Agree!
ANALILY PARK June 18, 2013 at 03:18 pm
Every time I see a "Ziplock" Baggie I wonder..... Where will it end up!?
Maria M D June 10, 2013 at 09:37 am
Sierra Madre Sue--Thanks for bringing this issue to light. We haven't had block parties on EastRead More Laurel, but we have had Neighborhood Watch and National Night Out parties at my house. I would love to have a block party, but it sounds expensive and complicated in Sierra Madre. I will make sure that others are aware of this issue. I agree that Sierra Madre is a small town, where you know all your neighbors and watch out for each other. That is what makes it so special.
SierraMadreSue Behrens June 11, 2013 at 11:48 am
Thank you Maria. I saw my letter got published in the Mountain Views last Saturday so hopefully ifRead More more people express the same opinion to the City, maybe they'll listen and react!
Maria M D June 11, 2013 at 01:36 pm
Sue--You are welcome and thanks for bringing attention to this issue. My friends, Jon and SarahRead More live on your block. They have enjoyed the block parties in the past.
Catherine Budincich May 28, 2013 at 12:11 pm
Yes. That is a good idea
LarKat May 28, 2013 at 01:31 pm
Even with students being sent to class with the individual supplies they need, teachers are sorelyRead More lacking basic supplies. Programs that help teachers are wonderful for the educators, schools and parents who are generally called upon to make up the difference.
Louis Educe May 28, 2013 at 06:22 pm
I guess some of my point is that instead of Staples, BigLots, Target etc. giving supplies andRead More discounts to teachers - somehow give it to the parents. By giving it to the schools/teachers it perpetuates the idea that it is "our" job to provide these supplies to the kids - and lets parents even more off the hook for taking responsibility for their own families. I will say though that MANY families in lower income areas set priorities for school and make decisions which teach kids that school and education are important priorities in both time and money. What is sad is that many also make the choice to spend what little funds they have on the latest high end phone, or fashion statement at the cost of being ready for class and learning. If you ask any teacher, we see this every year and now at the end of they year when kids haven't succeeded, they often ask US why their kids didn't do well... you spend money on where your heart is - and it wasn't in school.