WEST VALLEY CITY, Utah — When traditional school classes resume, the West Lake STEM Junior High in West Valley City will be relocated to the recently closed Westbrook Elementary School.
“We feel very comfortable with the decisions that are being made and those being made in an effort to keep kids safe,” Granite School District spokesman Ben Horsley told FOX 13.
West Lake STEM, located at 3450 West and 3400 South, sustained significant damage in the 5.7-magnitude earthquake on March 18. Damages are being assessed to determine if the building can be salvaged, or will need to be rebuilt entirely.
The Granite School Board voted to close Westbrook Elementary last year, but the closure did not go into effect until the end of this academic year. The building is located at 3451 West and 6200 South.
“This was the closest facility that we could find that met all the criteria that would be needed for a junior high," Horsley said. "That being said, we are still going to have to add some components.”
Adjustments will be made to the existing structure, including adding showers and a modular dining hall.
Safety was a major factor in the change, but another was to keep the students together.
"It was decided it would be best to keep them together they are a well performing school," Horsley said.
