Monrovia : School Gets Aid for Repairs

Monrovia High School will no longer have to cram students into the gymnasium for assemblies, thanks to state aid that will be used to repair an auditorium damaged in an earthquake.

The 1,500-seat auditorium has been closed since the 1987 Whittier earthquake dislodged segments of the ceiling. Building inspectors initially said the damage was not caused by the earthquake, but a re-evaluation ordered by the district has qualified the school for the $417,000 in financial aid, the state Department of Finance announced last month.

“It’s a real godsend,” said Principal Jack Clement, adding that pep rallies the school has been holding in the football stadium “are just not as exciting.” Drama students have had to travel to Clifton Middle School to use its auditorium for rehearsals, he said.

The funds, to be received in March, will cover 80% of the repair costs for the ceiling, including removal of asbestos.

The Monrovia Unified School District has applied for $100,000 in federal earthquake aid for the rest of the expenses, school board President Christine Goudy said.