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Alum Rock Board Fast-Tracks MACSA Fire Cleanup as Community Rallies to Rebuild

The district cites hazardous debris beside school classrooms, with the cause of the blaze still under investigation.

Overview

  • Trustees unanimously approved an emergency designation to bypass the normal bid process and begin securing and remediating the site, pending County Superintendent David Toston’s approval.
  • District counsel reported debris with asbestos and possible lead near Renaissance Academy classrooms, and structural engineers are being brought in this week to determine what must be removed under school codes.
  • The San Jose Fire Department continues to investigate the Aug. 29 fire after an initial report of an outside blaze, with neighbor video showing flames inside the MACSA building.
  • Community groups including SOMOS Mayfair and the School of Arts and Culture pledge to pursue restoration, and Councilmember Peter Ortiz says he secured $500,000 in city funds toward rebuilding.
  • Advocates question whether the district will pursue demolition or surplus-land options, and a planned Sept. 4 community meeting was postponed to Sept. 11.