Saratoga News

Photograph by Robert Scheer

Dave Lavelle (left) and Brian Smith, sophomores at Saratoga High School, build models of organic molecules in Jenny Garcia's third-period chemistry class.

Parents donate over $90,000 to upgrade school's science rooms

By Torre Peña

Responding to Saratoga High School's plea for desperately needed science funding, parents have donated more than $90,000 dollars to the science department since December.

"It's an incredible amount, considering my annual budget is $8,000," said Cary Matsuoka, science department chair.

In a letter to parents that explained the science department's needs, principal Kevin Skelly said facilities and equipment have fallen into disrepair, and there is a shortage of basic lab equipment. Parents answered by opening their wallets in support of the science lab.

"It's positive how the community responded," Matsuoka said. "We'll have a good infusion of equipment."

Beyond basic lab materials, the money will be used for computer-based lab equipment and hardware. New data-analysis equipment will enable students to more fully explore areas of biotechnology research and physiology, Matsuoka said. "The world of biology has changed a lot since I've been in college," he added.

The new equipment made possible by this year's winter fundraiser will be immediately available to students. However, the school's antiquated science facility remains a problem.

The influx of computers exposes a lack of space for the equipment in the lab and the inability of the school's aging electrical system to reliably support the new technology.

"Adding computers gets back to the the issue of facility space; under current class conditions, it's going to be difficult," Matsuoka explained.

The 37-year-old science lab has become dilapidated, including the original electrical wiring, gas fixtures, plumbing, countertops and cabinets. Unreliable circuits providing electricity to computers cause constant worry.

In addition, Matsuoka points out that his classrooms are too small to accommodate students, making lab work difficult.

A further concern is that growth projections for Saratoga High School show an enrollment increase of nearly 200 students over the next four years.

The catalyst to raise money for science came when a committee from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges visited the school, Skelly said. Despite recognizing the school's excellence by giving it a high rating, the committee made upgrading the science facilities their first major recommendation. One committee member described the facility as "lousy."

Skelly then turned to parents in the community for support. He has been encouraged by this year's response to the school's fourth annual appeal that continues until March.

"This is by far the best we've ever done in terms of this appeal," Skelly said. "We're double where we were at this time last year."

Previous appeals raised money for student activities and theater arts.

The school is currently exploring ways to fund a new science facility; a project that costly is out of the realm of an annual appeal. Completing a facilities master plan and considering architectural options are the next steps, according to Skelly.

"We'd like to build a new science building on the west side of campus," he said. "We are getting started on taking a look."

Skelly added that fundraising strategies are being considered. Proposing a bond issue to voters is one option.