During a recent government meeting, concerns were raised regarding the overcrowded conditions in the orchestra and band facilities at Southview. A parent, Ms. Lovell, highlighted the outdated state of the orchestra room and the lack of adequate storage for instruments, which are currently being stored on baker's racks due to space constraints. She emphasized the growing number of students in the performing arts program, projecting an increase of 50 students from junior highs next year, which exacerbates the existing space issues.
Ms. Lovell noted that band rehearsals often take place outside due to insufficient indoor space, forcing them to displace other students during inclement weather. The rehearsal rooms are also being used for storage, limiting their availability for practice. She advocated for improvements and expansion of these facilities to accommodate the increasing student interest in the arts.
In response, school officials acknowledged the concerns and indicated that they are currently reviewing the master facilities plan. They recognized that the space has not been updated since the original construction of Southview and agreed to consider these issues as part of their ongoing discussions about enhancing learning environments. The officials expressed optimism about the growing interest in the performing arts, viewing it as a positive challenge that needs to be addressed.
Plans for potential solutions, such as constructing additional storage outside, were also discussed, indicating a proactive approach to resolving the space limitations faced by the orchestra and band programs.