SPUHS Board Studies Possible Expansion Moves

Santa Paula Chronicle
October 25, 1962

Here's an interesting article from 1962. The district at the time was considering buying some land above Virginia Terrace. The land wasn't purchased, and houses were built instead, but it would have made quite a hike from a classroom on that end of the school to the 500's (even more so than it is today).

Santa Paula High School trustees took a longing look at vacant property in the school's back yard yesterday and heard superintendent Everett Buchan call for "Serious Consideration" on the purchase of the property.

Buchan told the trustees it is possible to get "more mileage" out of the existing plant, but sooner or later - more than likely sooner - something is going to have to be done.

The land, across Virginia Terrace from present school buildings, includes a 53-acre portion now on the market, only part of which the trustees expressed interest in. It is now owned by Buenaventura Lemon Co. Fred Udall is acting as agent.

Basic Philosophy
Administrative assistant Ethan Fullmer told the board they should consider what is now and what will be the basic philosophy of the school, particularly toward expansion of the present plant or branch construction on a new site.

Buchan said the only place for new classrooms, already needed, is "up in the air." He said this is not entirely impractical; many schools have two story classroom buildings which serve quite well.

If, however, the school expands its academic capability, then a like expansion of physical education facilities, possibly cramped tighter than classrooms, will be necessary. Buchan said he feels the school needs extra space for this purpose. Specialists in physical education facilities visited the school today to help with a survey.

The board wound up their discussion of the property by agreeing to hire local civil engineer Elbert J. Tate as an engineering consultant to give them preliminary information on the property.