Ask the News - Oct. 8

Oct. 7—Why did Clovis schools decide to build a cinder block wall at the most engaging and pleasant looking corner of the Clovis High School campus?

What's the purpose of the wall? How much did it cost?

Who proposed the wall?

When was there a public discourse on the matter?

The wall was built for various reasons, including to enclose the practice area for the Wildcat Marching Band, according to Clovis Municipal Schools Deputy Superintendent of Operations,Technology & Athletics Jay Brady.

"To prevent overuse of the turf at Leon Williams Stadium, the open area located in the northeast corner of the Clovis High School campus has traditionally served as the practice field for the Clovis High School Band and other student activities," Brady wrote in an email.

Brady described how the band is widely recognized as award-winning in the state, region and nationally.

"Those successes are gained largely through rigorous practice, which often includes proprietary and complex music selections and choreography," Brady wrote.

Brady said the area is used by numerous classes and groups at the high school, including Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps, physical education classes, and Intensive Learning Center students with a range of disabilities, who use this area daily for learning and exercise.

"Previous to the construction of a perimeter wall, the area had a high level of exposure to traffic passing by on Thornton and 21st streets, as well as prolonged exposure to vehicles waiting at the intersection," Brady wrote.

He noted the addition of the wall provides students space, privacy and security with the added benefit of an acoustic barrier "to ensure they are able to learn safely outdoors, all of which contributes to continued student success."

As for the cost of the wall, Brady wrote the price was $347,000.

Brady does not know who initially proposed the wall.

"It was built as a solution to a long-time need for improvement of outdoor learning spaces and the band's practice facilities, and had been listed as an unmet priority for some time," he wrote.

As for "public discourse" on the matter, there was none per se.

Brady wrote the funds used to construct the wall around the band's practice field were provided by local taxpayers through a special election in 2021 in the form of a Capital Improvements Tax Levy and General Obligation Bonds.

"Earmarked for improvements to facilities, these funds were graciously granted by our community for use in projects such as these, which enhance and modernize our educational environments, and by extension contribute to student success," Brady wrote.

Do you have a question for The News? Call 575-763-3431 or email: gmcgee@thenews.email