PARENTS WANT SCHOOLS FREE OF LEAKS, ROOMIER.

Byline: Karen Maeshiro Daily News Staff Writer

Lancaster School District voters place a high priority on adding classrooms and repairing leaky roofs, but consider the construction of two middle schools a less urgent need.

The priorities were reflected in responses from 1,800 parents to a survey form sent out by district officials, who are considering whether to place a school bond proposal before voters.

``There was a lot of support for renovation of old classrooms and also adding additional space for new kids. That came out pretty strong as far as priorities go,'' Superintendent Steve Gocke said. ``We're glad to see that.''

The survey results were discussed at Tuesday's board meeting. Trustees are scheduled to vote Oct. 20 on whether to put a bond measure on the March ballot.

The board also voted to pay $16,500 to Gene Bregman and Associates of San Francisco to develop a demographic profile of district voters and determine voter attitudes toward a bond proposal, as well as the maximum amount that voters might approve.

District officials say building projects costing $60 million will be needed to renovate old schools and deal with population growth. District officials hae been discussing the possibility of putting a $30 million bond measure on the ballot and seeking state aid for another $30 million. District officials estimate that owners of a house assessed at $100,000 would pay $27 a year if a $30 million bond issue passed.

In a July 29 letter accompanying the survey form, Superintendent Steve Gocke said many of the district's schools are old and outdated. Park View School, for example, was built more than 48 years ago to accommodate 500 students and now houses more than 1,300.

``Windows and doors in many schools are old and need to be replaced. Old plumbing pipes and fixtures are rusted or clogged. Roofs leak, and electrical systems need to be upgraded so that lighting in classrooms can be improved,'' Gocke said.

Much playground space has been lost at many schools to make room for portable classrooms, he noted.

The survey asked parents to rate school construction or repair needs in three priority categories: highest, intermediate or lowest.

In response, 1,252 parents or guardians said repairing or replacing leaky roofs is the highest priority, while 385 called it an intermediate priority, and 70 said it is the lowest priority.

On adding classrooms to relieve overcrowding at the elementary schools, 1,181 rated it highest, 389 rated it intermediate priority, and 113 gave it lowest priority.

Building the Amargosa Creek Middle School, proposed for 27th Street West and Avenue J, is a top priority for 554 parents, while 476 gave it an intermediate rating, and 559 said it is the lowest priority.

District officials are considering building a new Piute Middle School and converting the current one back into an elementary school. It was built as an elementary school in 1960 and was converted into a middle school about 20 years ago, but lacks a gymnasium and other facilities.

Building a new Piute Middle School was rated top priority by 424 parents, 602 said it is an intermediate priority, and 623 considered it the lowest priority.

District officials said the lukewarm support for building two middle school projects means they have to do a better job of explaining the benefits.

``It's a cost-effective way to provide housing. You build one school and relieve overcrowding at seven campuses,'' said Ned McNabb, assistant superintendent for businesses services.

Sixth-graders from the elementary schools would be moved to middle schools, now too crowded to handle them.

On whether to build permanent facilities for Jack Northrop and Lancaster elementary schools, 538 parents rated it highest, 568 intermediate and 563 lowest in priority.

School officials also would like to add a school in the east and one in the west of the district.

Officials want to modernize Desert View, El Dorado, Linda Verde, Mariposa, Piute, Sierra and Sunnydale schools, all more than 30 years old. Officials want

to strengthen them against earthquakes, replace cabinets and carpeting, add insulation, upgrade utilities, paint both interiors and exteriors and install soundproofing and energy-efficient windows.