by Ellen and Felipe
The Santa Barbara Morning Press of March 22, 1905, contained the following advertisement plans and specifications:
"A one-story, six room modern school building with the necessary halls, closets, and sanitary conveniences (bathrooms). Preference will be given to the adaptation of the Mission style architecture. Classrooms to be at least 24 by 34 feet, the basement does not exceed one-half of the floor space. Said school building not to exceed the cost of $12,000.00."
A bond of election was held on April 15, 1905, to finance the new building and was passed by a majority of 319 to 12.
Such was the beginning of the original McKinley School, referred to in the early stages as Haley St. School. On February 6, 1906, it was accepted from the contractor as completed.
From that time until 1931, McKinley school was located on Haley St. at Castillo. In 1931, the school was moved to new facilities on the ten acre Mesa campus site where it is today -350 Loma Alta Drive...just across the street from Santa Barbara City College (SBCC).
1931-1960
From 1931-1960,McKinley was the only school on the Mesa; Washington School and Monroe School did not exist (yet).
1940-1950
During World War II (1940's), the front of McKinley School was converted into a Victory Garden. Children raised vegetables for their families because there wasn't lot of money.
The auditorium was used as a movie house . It showed movies and community dances were held there also. Admission money was used to help support McKinley School.
1950 - present
Now McKinley School teachers teach 545 students in grades K through 6. McKinley celebrated it's 97th birthday this past September. The name if the school comes from President William McKinley. McKinley is located in the Santa Barbara School District.