Edition 106
www.thecourier.es
Friday, March 1, 2013
FROM DEBRIS TO DELIGHT! Floor-collapse school to be replaced SANTA Pola is to have a new school to replace the crumbling Colegio Hispanidad – where nine children and a teacher were injured when a floor collapsed recently. And in another boost for local education, regional education director Rafael Carbonell visited the Principe De Espana School in Rojales to assess whether it also needs a new building. The Mayor of Santa Pola, Miguel Zaragoza ( p i c t u r e d ) announced the C o l e g i o Hispanidad decision at a council meeting this week, over a month after part of the suspended floor of one classroom in the current building gave way. The incident underlined the drastic deficiencies in health and safety standards which both students and staff are subjected to on a daily basis, resulting in a full investigation by the Valencian Government. This week’s meeting was attended by
By HEIDI WARDMAN regional education councillor María José Catalá, who informed the Mayor that, following recommendations by official government architects, the school should be demolished. She revealed that a technical report noted that the entire structure of the building has reached the same stage of deterioration as the area which collapsed, and refurbishment would be futile. Construction of a new school was the only solution, she said. Architects have also conducted surveys to determine the future of nearby schools Azorín and Cervantes, although the results have yet to be made public. The Mayor gave no indication when building work on the new school will start, but hinted that the wheels have been put in motion. He also invited suggestions from parents for an interim plan until such time as the school is completed. Representatives of the Parent-Teachers Association expressed their satisfaction with the decision, although some were a little disappointed at the absence of a deadline for completion of work. The majority of parents requested that for
NEW HOPE: These Colegio Hispanidad students will get a new school
the present, Colegio Hispanidad students continue to attend classes at the José Tovar School, where they were relocated following the accident. Meanwhile, Principe De Espana School parents were celebrating Snr Carbonell’s personal visit, which came as a result of a meeting in Valencia a week earlier with Mayor of Rojales, Antonio Pérez, head teacher Mauricio Pacheco, education councillor Tatiana Cañizares and AMPA president Soraya Fernández. Severe deficiencies within the school
were put across the table - the most alarming being the absence of a fire escape on the first floor of the building, deteriorating lead piping throughout the school, inadequate electrical and heating systems, crumbling supporting beams, poor drainage and general dampness. Although the Education Director gave no indication as to the future of the school, his continued interest is seen as a positive move forward - and it is hoped a permanent solution will be agreed during another meeting scheduled for next month.
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