Rancho San Juan High School does not have adequate facilities for its Visual and Performing Arts department and courses. We are the only high school in the Salinas Union High School District without a designated performance space for plays, concerts, and performances. A Performing Arts Center was part of the original Phase One plans for Rancho San Juan High School. During Phase One construction, the decision was made to not build the Performing Art Center; furthermore, no plans were created to adjust for the lack of facilities. While there are no adequate classrooms, or plans to build them, Music, Dance, Theatre, and Art are still offered and taught at RSJ. 

Dance classes currently meet and practice in the gym foyer or the small gym; the small gym is only available when the Physical Education Department does not need the space. Holding classes in the gym foyer poses an inconvenience for both teachers and students as there is inadequate air flow, space, no sound system, inappropriate flooring, and no storage for costumes and other materials. 

Music classes take place in the wrestling room. The space is too small and not acoustically fit for instrumental classes, making it loud and potentially causing hearing loss in students.. Without a designated music room, there is inadequate storage for instruments, sheet music, and other equipment; furthermore, there is no performance space for concerts. 

Drama classes are held in a regular small classroom with 34 desks and chairs filling the space; there is not adequate space to perform and rehearse. Without adequate, dedicated facilities, there is no storage to house sets, props, costumes, lights, and sound. 

The Art classrooms were designed with only two-dimensional works in mind and did not take into consideration other forms that are offered such as Dimensional Art, an all 3D course, or more specialized and higher level courses that the district offers. There is also inadequate space to display art. 

Without adequate facilities for the Visual and Performing Arts at Rancho San Juan High School, students do not have equitable access to the curriculum. We need adequate facilities, even if those facilities are temporary, until more permanent facilities are built. 

For more information on why the arts are imperative to every student, visit bit.ly/WhytheArts