After a months-long setback due to contract issues, the long-awaited playground construction is finally set to commence at four elementary schools within the Santa Maria-Bonita School District. This comes as a relief for students who have been without a playground for the first half of the school year. The construction will take place while the students are on winter break, ensuring minimal disruption to their learning.

Superintendent's Perspective

During the Nov. 13 school board meeting, the Santa Maria-Bonita school board unanimously approved contract agreements for the construction of playgrounds at Fairlawn, Tunnell, Alvin, and Ontiveros elementary schools. Superintendent Darren McDuffie expressed his gratitude for the educators' adaptability in filling the gap during the delay. He stated, "Though the delay in playground structure installations wasn't expected, our educators have once again demonstrated their incredible adaptability by finding creative and meaningful ways to fill the gap for students."The district allocated federal COVID-19 relief dollars to improve the playgrounds. Over the summer, the outdated equipment was removed, and new equipment was purchased with the goal of completing construction before the school year started. However, the initial bids didn't meet the requirements of involving businesses that employ disabled veterans, leading to the need for a re-bid.This time, the bids met the guidelines, and the contractors have started the preliminary work. The majority of the installation is planned for the end of December and the beginning of January when the schools are closed for break. Superintendent McDuffie emphasized the importance of this timely construction, saying, "Thank you to our school staff members and amazing students for their patience, resilience, and creativity as they navigate the challenges of being without playground equipment."

Impact on Students

The delays have left the students at the four sites playing on concrete slabs for the first part of the 2024-25 school year. Each school site has a significant number of students, with Alvin Elementary having the largest population at 1,000 students. Tunnell follows with 920 students, and Ontiveros and Fairlawn have 882 and 716 students respectively.During public comment at the Oct. 23 school board meeting, faculty from several sites reported an increase in behavioral issues both on and off the playground. The lack of a playground led to more competition for equipment, and students didn't get the needed mental release outside. This, in turn, made it difficult for them to focus when they returned to the classroom.In response, the school district allocated an additional $11,000 to each site to replace equipment as it sees more wear and tear. Faculty across the sites brought out various activities such as soccer balls, basketballs, jump ropes, sensory games, arts and crafts stations, giant puzzles, and tricycles to keep the students busy during recess. Tunnell Elementary School Principal Theresa Diaz shared her thoughts, saying, "It’s been challenging for kids; they miss the equipment and they ask about the slides and the swings, but it’s going to be beautiful and worth it once it gets here."The construction of these playgrounds will not only provide a much-needed recreational space for the students but also enhance their overall well-being and learning environment. It is a significant step towards creating a more enjoyable and fulfilling school experience for the children.