Teacher warns adult transition program still operating 'in a parking lot'; asks board for faster construction updates

Denise Villalobos, a teacher with the Granada adult transition program, told the board the program remains housed in a parking lot and that teachers were told the new site would be ready in 18 months — which she and others expect could stretch closer to two years because of retrofitting and construction delays. "We're really excited to move into our new home, and we will be patient. However, please understand that our current home continues to fall apart," Villalobos said, asking the board to keep timelines moving and improve communications with staff.

Villalobos told trustees she feared students currently enrolled would age out before a replacement site opens and reminded the board that a prior halt in the project had led to the loss of "over $1,000,000 in taxpayer money." She also acknowledged recent modest upgrades — Wi‑Fi access points and some security cameras — but pressed for clear interim resources so current students can access technology and supports while construction continues.

Board members thanked Villalobos for speaking and noted the district is monitoring modernization work. The item prompted trustees to ask staff for status updates and tighter lines of communication to ensure teachers and families receive regular progress reports.