Community members involved in deciding the priority of projects funded by the Palo Alto Unified School District Capital Improvement Bond are brainstorming ways of dealing with student needs regarding the limited performance space for students on campus.

Parent Teacher Student Association president Preeva Tramiel was first to voice concern about the Haymarket Theater renovations.

Right now, a new theater is on the list of unfunded projects while Haymarket Theater renovations will be funded with the $79 million that Paly is set to receive.

“Haymarket renovations were given this placement because it was uncertain whether the school would be increasing enrollment,” Tramiel said. “However, it has now been decided that enrollment will increase, and therefore, adjustments need to be made. As a tax payer, simply remodeling the Haymarket seems like throwing away money.”

Paly theater teacher Kathleen Woods also has concerns about the lack of adequate performance space on campus.

“I cannot see how just a renovation of the Haymarket Theater will help the instructional need of the students,” Woods said.

The priorities were made so that expansion is eighth on the list of importance according to Dr. Robert Golton, Palo Alto Unified School District’s interim co-chief business officer.

“This is an issue that has come up before. We have been discussing this at previous meetings and we will continue to discuss it,” Golton said. “It is great to hear all of the input.”

Paly librarian Rachel Kellerman gave her input as well: “I think that it would be great if kids got involved in the theater issue because it’s their school. If they want to have even better performances, assemblies, and other things of that sort they need to get involved because right now a new theater is on the unfunded list.”

Opportunities to voice opinions will be coming soon. There is a tentative Property Committee meeting this upcoming Monday, as well as a School Board meeting for discussion on Jan. 22.