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Hacienda La Puente trustees debate how to pay for $52 million performing arts center as bids outstrip $24M allocation
Summary
Trustees heard that a 750‑seat performing arts center with ancillary spaces could cost about $52 million, well above the district's $24 million funding ($20M adult education, $4M federal). Board members discussed scaling the project, protecting federal funds tied to Temple Academy and exploring partnerships; staff were asked to return with a decision timeline.
Board members and arts teachers on Feb. 13 debated how — and whether — to build a proposed Center for Performing Arts after staff estimates showed the most ambitious design would cost roughly $52 million, more than double the district's current $24 million allocation.
Superintendent Dr Jimenez told the board the district started with $20 million from adult education and about $4 million in federal funds earmarked for the Temple Academy site, and that initial 450‑seat designs had come in from bidders near $32.9 million. "That was our standing at this point of time $24 million," he said, and later warned that the "revised estimate is coming at $52 million" if the board kept all requested features and a 750‑seat capacity.
The estimates, board members said, forced a practical conversation about priorities, timing and legal constraints on how some funds may be used. "If we don't build that facility in Temple itself we forego that $4 million," Dr Jimenez said, noting the federal funds carry a deadline and project parameters.
Arts educators and community members urged a facility that meets program needs. Jay Logging, introduced by the board as a longtime marching‑band director, described the practical needs of ensembles and theater productions and the limitations of gymnasiums: "Our students have no professional facility to play," he said, arguing that inadequate stage depth, wings and acoustics reduce educational value.
Board members weighed several options: scale back to a smaller, more affordable venue; reconfigure existing district properties to meet needs; or split available funds among the district's four high schools to upgrade on‑campus performance spaces. Trustee Miss Kones warned against tapping adult education funds without clear alternatives, saying adult ed programs also depend on those resources for their own renovations.
Multiple trustees emphasized the constraints of time and prior investments: staff reported the district has already spent about $2.7 million on design and DSA approvals, and that the $4 million federal grant must be spent by June 2027. "Even the original project scope of 450 seats at this point of time is exceeding the budget by 25%," a staff presenter said.
Trustees asked staff to return with a clear timeline and recommended next steps that would preserve the federal funding window while exploring scalable or satellite approaches. The board instructed staff to reconvene with a refined plan, and members agreed to continue outreach for possible external funding and partnerships.
The board voted to continue its discussion at a follow‑up meeting set for Feb. 18, 2025, with no binding decision on the project taken on Feb. 13.
