The brand new arts high school that can be seen from the CA-101 freeway off Grand is complete. It is however incomplete when it comes to staffing, which is required for any high school to open its doors to its students.

The $242 million-dollar high school was set to open this September. But it will be impossible without a principal and faculty. This school's (which is yet to be officially named) original plan was to bring in students from overcrowded high schools, such as Belmont. It was later decided that it would be a high school with a focus on the arts, seeing as Los Angeles is in need for one. The new state-of-the-art school includes a large theater, a dance center, a visual arts center, a music center, a gym and a library.

Last week, some of the high school's biggest supporters gave up on the school. Two principals from the east coast declined the job offer and it stirred up a lot of tension around the district.

Many have argued on matters such as who would qualify to go there, who should run it, and whether it should even open as a public school. Those decisions should have been made a long time ago when construction began. Discussions continue, but no solution just yet.

6 months remain from opening day. Is there still hope? Will someone take over? Will it finally open? I sure hope so. An arts high school in Los Angeles could open many opportunities for students with a passion for the arts and prepare them for a professional future in the arts field.

Full story in the 4/6/2009 Edition of the Los Angeles Times

--Marissa

Labels: arts, high school