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MHS renovations, repairs almost done
Long lines of students at Marianas High School getting to their classes are again expected when school year 2018-2019 opens on Aug. 15. (Jon Perez)
Marianas High School principal Cherlyn Cabrera said construction and repairs are almost done with their facilities, such as the gymnasium, all set for use in the coming school year.
The roof of the MHS Gym was blown away when Typhoon Soudelor barreled through Saipan three years ago. The Federal Emergency Management Administration helped in the funding for the repairs at the gym.
“The gym construction is done as far as FEMA repairs. We are about 90 percent done, enough to open and utilize the gym,” said Cabrera, who added that they are waiting for the shipment of modern equipment that will be used for physical education classes.
The new equipment, which is the latest in the market will be used for the latest PE classes, will replace those that were damaged during Soudelor
“The 10 percent that isn’t done, we have planned to renovate as soon as we receive our local appropriations. This includes repairs of our gym showers and locker rooms,” added Cabrera.
She said that MHS’ new cafeteria, which took more than a year to build, would also be done as well but won’t yet be opened until all the equipment—like chillers, cafeteria furniture, and other food service items—arrive.
“We are waiting for the shipment of the cafeteria equipment. So we may not use the new cafeteria depending on when that said equipment will arrive,” said Cabrera.
She added that repairs and other maintenance are also ongoing since age had already caught up with MHS’ facilities. “MHS is 49 years old and with this age comes the need for ongoing repairs and maintenance.”
“So yes, the list of ongoing repairs, maintenance, and renovations is listed and scheduled.”
The repairs and maintenance, despite sometimes having limited funds, are done to ensure safety inside the campus.
“We’ve replaced doors, renovated restrooms facilities, replaced lights, painted some classrooms, repaired some furniture, replaced furniture, maintained our fire safety procedures, repaired air conditioning units, and replaced worn out tiles to name a few,” said Cabrera.
“Our repairs are usually limited by our operations budget, but we always do what’s necessary for students’ safety and well being.”
