Parents Frustrated with Flooded Classrooms: “The building is sinking. It’s leaning sideways.”

Classes at Ocean Academy High School were interrupted this week after heavy rains left parts of the campus flooded, raising urgent concerns about the deteriorating condition of the building and the long-delayed construction of a promised new school.

Parents say the flooding has become routine during the rainy season, forcing students to wade through muddy water and disrupting their education. Despite efforts by the school to raise floors and build walkways, water now seeps up from the ground, leaving classrooms unusable. Teachers report it is even impossible to access campus Wi-Fi for online lessons.

Parents say they can no longer stay on the campus. “The building is sinking. It’s leaning sideways.” 

New Campus Promised in 2019, Still Unbuilt

In 2019, the previous administration allocated 5.17 acres of land for a new Ocean Academy government campus. Land papers at the time were marked “School: 5.17 acres”, and a groundbreaking ceremony was held for a new high school and preschool.

However, six years later, no construction has begun.

Parents and the Caye Caulker Village Council say the situation has worsened as the designated land appears to be shrinking. Official records they reviewed show the parcel reduced to 4.3 acres in 2020, and residents now fear it is down to approximately 2 acres.

The council says it flagged the area as the last suitable open land for a school back in 2015 and urged the government to secure it.

Community Taking Matters Into Their Own Hands

Now, with no progress from the government, residents are taking action. A grassroots campaign led by Ian and Alma Magaña has inspired dozens of community members and businesses to donate cinder blocks toward a self-funded construction effort.

Facebook posts show pledges from local businesses like Smooth’s Salad and Juice Bar, Keidala’s Home Spa, and Crazy King Store, each contributing blocks. Others are offering funds for temporary Plett’s buildings to serve as classrooms.

“What I would like to know is if our area rep, the Village Council, or the government would match the amount of blocks the community donates,” Ian Magaña wrote.