Both local and state officials converged at Sierra Vista Junior High to dedicate 20 new classrooms Thursday.

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After nearly a year of construction, officials dedicated 20 newly constructed classrooms during their open house event Thursday evening.

“This has been a pretty exciting year, here at Sierra Vista, with lots of changes going on,” said Matt Hinze, assistant principal for the school.

The $16.9 million dollar project officially broke ground on April 1, 2018 and consists of converted shipping containers, used only once during a voyage from China to the United States, according to officials.

Before renovating the containers, they were inspected by officials and have been deemed safe for students and staff.

“In fact, they are extremely durable as they were designed for original use to be stacked 10 or more units high,” added Collyn Nielsen, chief administrative officer for the Hart District. “If an earthquake were to hit, this is where you want to be.”

Container buildings are typical less expensive than traditionally constructed buildings, which allows school officials to use funding on other projects, according to Nielsen.

Sierra Vista now joins Placerita Junior High School as the two campuses in the Hart District with this type of classroom setting.

Students and teachers will be able to occupy the new classrooms when they return from spring break, according to school officials.

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