Alisal Union School District starts construction of arts space at Monte Bella Elementary.

The Alisal Union School District is starting construction for a performing arts space at Monte Bella Elementary School in East Salinas. The space is intended to showcase students’ talents and accomplishments from music, art, dance and more. 

“We are inspired by our students’ dedication and commitment to the arts, and it’s important for the district to reciprocate. This [space] is our way to tell our students: We believe in you, we want to showcase your talents in an appropriate venue,” said AUSD Superintendent Monica Anzo. 

The cost of construction for the 8,165-square-foot building is around $8 million and is designed by In Studio Architects. The space will have a performance stage with 200 seats for viewers, a lobby, a media center, a removable stage, dressing rooms, control rooms, restrooms and more than 2,000 square feet of storage space.

AUSD will use money set aside from its general funds, construction funds and a music and arts block grant for construction. 

“There are very few elementary schools that have a dedicated performance space,” Associate Superintendent of Business Services Rais Abbasi said. “We live in an area where there are few cultural venues, and the community will draw enormous benefits from it.” 

Abbasi and former superintendent Jim Koenig presented the idea of a blackbox-style center in June 2023 to the Board of Trustees. 

Just under three years later, on Wednesday, May 6, AUSD trustees and administrators hosted a groundbreaking ceremony alongside performances by the district’s Aztec dancers and guitar ensemble.