Government watchdog and investigative website CaliforniaWatch.org recently released a report alleging “unresolved safety issues” at schools throughout the state, including some in the Santa Maria-Bonita School District.
From 2000 to 2005, the now bankrupt contracting firm TurnKey managed more than a dozen projects for the district, worth approximately $62 million.
The California Watch report cites documents from a structural engineering firm alleging structural concerns that could impact buildings at Arellanes, El Camino, Tommie Kunst, and Fesler junior high schools.
In a statement to the media, district superintendent Phil Alvarado said, “I want to assure everyone that none of the district’s buildings pose a safety risk. Some of the newly constructed buildings lack final approval and documentation that construction was completed according to the plans.”
He said the district is working with the California Division of State Architect (DSA) to get the buildings approved; however, changes in state leadership have delayed the process.
“The lack of certification is not an indication of a lack of safety. It is an indication that paperwork and approvals are still to be required. The California Watch article incorrectly implies that a building lacking final certification from DSA is unsafe,” he said, adding that thousands of school buildings in the state lack final DSA certification.
This article appears in Jan 12-19, 2012.
