Saratoga News

Photograph by Robert Scheer

A crowded chemistry class at Saratoga High School puts students nearly shoulder-to-shoulder to do experiments.

School science lab needs renovation and updating

By Cecily Barnes

Saratoga High School's science facilities are in desperate need of renovation. Built along with the high school in 1960, they haven't been updated since.

"It's like having a 1960s kitchen," said SHS Principal Kevin Skelly.

The science facilities are designed like regular classrooms, rather than science laboratories. This makes lab experiments difficult, time-consuming and crowded.

"We spend a lot of extra time getting ready for labs, just because of the nature of the layout," said Cary Matsuoka, chairman of the science department.

"Most high school science facilities are designed to facilitate lab prep; our lab wing is set up like traditional classrooms."

Last March, Saratoga High School was audited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). WASC's report highlighted the school's science facilities as outdated and in need of renovation.

"They clearly saw that as an area we need to address," acknowledged Skelly, who pointed out that despite their antiquated science facilities, WASC accredited the school for six years, the longest period possible.

But WASC will be back in six years to check up on Saratoga High's science facilities. And Skelly decided to do something about the science wing.

"If you look at what's going on in the field and the importance of science, I think we have a mandate," said Skelly. "We've had two teachers recently come to us from other schools and been shocked by our facilities."

In December, Skelly will send a letter to all the parents, to kick-start a science-wing fundraiser. The high school holds a winter fundraiser every December, identifying varying aspects of the school in needs of fund. Through this fundraiser, the high school's Little Theater was built, and last year the funds recharged the journalism, band and athletics departments. This year's focus is science.

"We're hoping to raise about $80,000," said Skelly. "Ideally, we'd like a whole new building."

Matsuoka thinks a new building is necessary, too. He argues the mechanics and structure of the present building are so out of date, refurbishing them would be an overwhelming task.

"The construction is cinder block and a concrete flap, so it's going to be a major process to get things up to date," said Matsuoka. "The only way to redo that is by changing plumbing, electrical, and sewer systems that are 40 years old."

Whatver happens, Matsuoka is most concerned that at least something be done.