Alternative Education site has received some helpful amenities

Anyone who has shown up to watch youth sports at the Alternative Education gym has more than likely helped set up or take down the large amount of folding chairs which previously lined one full side of the gym.

The seating for spectators received a much-needed upgrade earlier this month as Mariposa County Unified School District purchased four new sets of bleachers.

The new setup can not only seat more people, but can be used for other events and happenings at the Alt. Ed. site.

“The chairs take a long time and it’s a lot of work for our coaches and parents,” said Principal Shawn Page.

“We can seat a lot more people now and it’s just a super cleaned up look.”

Maintenance Supervisor Mike Evans had the privilege of assembling the new seating.

“I think there were about 60,000 bolts,” he laughed.

“I’ve built two cars and I don’t think either of them had as many bolts as these bleachers.”

The stands were purchased utilizing property tax money which is contributed to by the community.

“The cost was about $18,000,” Kierstin Wight, Chief Business Officer, explained.

“We purchased four sets for this location.”

After being talked about for some time, another amenity that’s been brought to Alt. Ed. are raised planter boxes.

“Happy Goat, a local organization dedicated to sustainable farming and community support in Mariposa County, has generously donated the raised planter boxes to support an ongoing educational initiative,” said Linda Mayfield, Director of Maintenance, Operations, Facilities and Warehouse for MCUSD.

“The compost material for the project was contributed by Mariposa Elementary School, in partnership with Spring Hill High School’s Civic Center Engagement Project.”

This collaborative effort aims to provide hands-on learning opportunities for students, fostering skills in sustainable agriculture, environmental stewardship and community involvement while enhancing the school’s outdoor educational spaces.