“We’re just waiting for a building permit to remodel, which is pending approval with the city [of San Jose],” said Principal Mary Miler.  Until the permit is approved, Pres is allowed to clean up the inside and outside of the house, both of which are in process.

The Green House, which should be ready in early spring of 2010, is expected to be used by the members of the development office, which is now located across the hall from Ms. Schrader and Mrs. Taylor.  The vacated space, will most likely be converted into a counseling center for both class-level and college counselors, according to Miller. 

This consolidation is much needed for a number of reasons.  First, students sometimes wander around campus lost, unable to find their counselors, who are in four different locations.  Second, with the counselors in the same office, they can collaborate better, ensuring that students aren’t falling through the cracks.  Finally, that room has a kitchen, which means that students stressed out about life or college will have access to food, and who doesn’t want that?

According to Miller, the new counseling space will also allow for studying and tutoring, which is a good idea, particularly if Academic Dean Rosemarie Healy is relocated to that space.  Oddly enough, the space will also become home to Jazz Band and Choir Director Jerry Lovejoy.  While the combination of choir and counseling is somewhat jarring, it does at least free up Lovejoy’s current room—102—for more classroom space.  Air conditioned classroom space, which is much appreciated by students and teachers alike. 

While all these changes will certainly be positive ones for our school, some students are sure to be disappointed that the new house is not being turned into a student center.  Yes, there’s the center, but it’s not exactly a place to relax.

Insurance and security problems wouldn’t allow for the new house to be used as a student center, said Miller, who added that the city of San Jose would never allow a permit if students were off campus without proper supervision.  She did say, however, that a student center is something that is being considered, and may become a reality at some point in the future.  The key is to continue buying real estate in the neighborhood in order to free up more space on campus.

The new addition is going to be well-received no matter what.  Using the Green House as offices will in turn relive the stress of tight spaces for both teachers and students.