News Release

October 4, 2000

Ringstead to speak at SMV Industry Education Council meeting

Dee Ringstead, principal of Santa Maria High School, will review the challenges facing the school as a result of overcrowding, at the next meeting of the Santa Maria Valley Industry Education Council, 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. on Oct. 10 at Santa Maria High School, 901 S. Broadway.

Increased student enrollment at the school has outpaced the rate of new school construction. The school, built to accommodate 1,500 students, currently hosts more than 3,100 students. Portable buildings on campus (64) outnumber permanent buildings (50) and the school will have to add ten more portables for the 2001-02 school year.

Overcrowding affects student performance and a variety of other critical areas, resulting in increasing damage to existing facilities, according to the principal. The meeting will include a short walking tour of the campus.

More information is available by contacting Peggy Greer at 922-9455, ext. 2203.