Imminent Seismic Safety Threat at Marin, Ocean View Schools, District Says

The Albany Unified School District has "demonstrated that the facilities at Marin and Ocean View Elementary Schools must be repaired/replaced due to an imminent health and safety threat," according to a report from schools Superintendent Marla Stephenson prepared for a special school board meeting tonight, Tuesday.

Stephenson's assessment is part of her report for a board item on the need for seismic upgrades at the two schools. The board is being asked to authorize the second phase of a cost-benefit analysis to "either replace or rehabilitate Ocean View and Marin Elementary Schools," according to Stephenson's report, which was posted late Monday.

An initial study found "that there is no mortal danger to occupants of the buildings," school board President Paul Black said at a recent board meeting. His comments are cited on a district "News and Announcements" web page.

The district doesn't have enough bonding capacity for the estimated $40 million to address the two schools' seismic issues and is seeking to establish its eligibility for special state hardship funds.

The school board is holding a special meeting tonight at 5:30 p.m. at City Hall to consider several items, including demolishing MacGregor High School and the seismic issues at Marin and Ocean View.

Related articles:

• Committee Targets Albany Dilemma: Which Schools to Fix or Replace (news article)
• 'Demolish MacGregor High' Recommendation on School Board Agenda (news article)
• MacGregor High School - a very special place (Peggy McQuaid's Blog)

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