Measure M Allows A New Performing Arts Center To Be Constructed

On November 5th, 2024, Fremont voters passed a bond that granted local schools $919 million to modernize their school campuses and expand the set of available programs for students to take in high school. This bond is called Measure M.

This measure not only allows for schools to receive better heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC), but also enables schools to build new classrooms. At John F. Kennedy Highschool (JFK), one of those new “classrooms” will be a brand new performing arts center with the FACILITIES & CONSTRUCTION PROGRAM REPORT on the Fremont Unified School District (FUSD) website stating new classrooms, locker rooms, a gym, and pool facilities are yet to come.

So far, Measure M has finished modernizing some of the elementary schools in our district, including John G. Mattos Elementary School and Brier Elementary School. Additionally, G.M. Walters Middle School is currently in the process of getting a refurbished field.

At JFK, the prospective performing arts center is meant to be a new stage for the drama program for future plays and musical performances. Mrs. Dohm, JFK’s drama teacher shares her feelings on the upcoming construction of the new drama building.

“I feel that it is well deserved and long past due,” says Dohm. “Kennedy has so much potential in the performing arts and it would be amazing for us to have a facility that allows for us to really push our creativity to a max.”

She continues with the issues the drama program has with its current facilities: “The round room is decent for what it is, but at the same time it is still just a lecture hall with good lighting and sound at this point.”

She and many others believe that it would be ideal for there to be an actual stage with wings, leg curtains, and other theatrical stage parts so that the students at JFK would be able to learn what more professional performance spaces would be like.

Currently, as Dohm has stated, the drama program has been taking place in the Round Room, which is where the Drama 1 class has been performing their rendition of The Alibis on November 14th.

Our principal, Dr. Ronaldo Fisher, also has a positive outlook on the new performing arts center.

When asked about the specific date that the construction will take place for the new performing arts center, Dr. Fisher stated that although the exact time for the theater’s construction is undetermined, there are many other things that need to be completed first.

“We have to first finish the modernization of the last two years, which was the HVAC and starting to put upgrades in our classrooms. And reformulating the classrooms with new ceilings, lighting, et cetera.” says Dr. Fisher.

The new performing arts center will be more than just a place for the drama program to take place. It will be a center to support students in their endeavors to discover creativity, teamwork, and confidence uniquely through the theatrical arts.