Alisal Union School District opens new central offices

Salinas >> What once was a church, but then was scheduled to be a school has opened as the new district offices of the Alisal Union School District.

Celebrating with drummers, folklorico dancers and community representatives, officials cut the ribbon on its new office on Bardin Road on Monday.

The new district office will occupy the former Victory Outreach Church of Salinas building, which was constructed in 1965 and then purchased by Alisal Union in 2015. Fernando Mercado Luis, president of the Alisal Union School District Board of Trustees, said the original plan for the site was to build a STEAM school, which is aimed at teaching science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics.

"Unfortunately, our district could not build such a STEAM school, due to the objections from the local airport commission," Mercado said. The site was deemed too close to the airport.

Alisal Union officials decided to head in a different direction by transforming the building into a central district office that will bring together many of the offices and programs that were formerly scattered throughout the district.

The grand opening served as a backdrop to showcase the talent of district students with performances by the Alisal Community Arts Network Drumline, which has been around for the past four years and is becoming nationally recognized, and its folklorico troupe Tonatiuh Danzantes del Quinto Sol.

"Apart from the building, which is beautiful, the reason we're here is for them," Alisal Union Superintendent Hector Rico said, referring to the student performers. "That's why we're here, to serve them."

When administrators first moved into its previous office on East Market Street the school district had just six schools and fewer than 6,000 students. Since then, Alisal Union has grown to serve nearly 9,000 students and their families in 12 schools and three family resource centers.

The new district office allows better accommodations for its office employees. Plus, putting all the various departments into one building will allow consolidation of business, human resources and education departments with extended-learning programs.

The move also allows office spaces currently at schools to be converted back to classrooms.

"This (building) will be able to provide the services," said Salinas Mayor Joe Gunter. "Alisal has become the shining star of school districts. The school board, the teachers, the principals, these are the staff that make the place a great place to be. This community is on the rise."

Alisal Union officials received commendations from U.S. Congressman Jimmy Panetta, California Assemblywoman Anna Caballero, California State Senator Anthony Canella and Monterey County Supervisor Luis Alejo.

City Councilman Tony Barrera gave kudos to Alisal USD Associate Superintendent of Business Services Jim Koenig for his work getting permits and moving the project along.

"This was a very difficult task," Barrera said.

Alisal Union will have an open house on Tuesday from 3-6 p.m. to give the public a chance to see the new building.