Students were alerted to the school’s recent theater closure on Jan. 30.

A public school email was sent out by Skyline President Dr. Regina Stanback Stroud informing the school community of the closure of the Skyline Theater. It was due to the reports that the theater equipment may contain asbestos.

Affected groups like theater cast, dance, scheduled events/performances and future events are already being collaborated with in case the theater is indeed positive with the hazardous mineral. The actions taken include the events are either being moved to other facilities, postponed or cancelled depending on the group’s decision. Skyline’s Interim Director and Public Relations, Jennifer Owen Blackmon said in response to the possibilities of the theater closing.

“We are trying to be proactive and trying to figure out some events that are happening in the future,” Interim Director and Public Relations, Jennifer Owen Blackmon said. “Those people (the drama department) are obviously aware of the possibility that the theater might not be open, but no, we are absolutely not waiting. We are going to work with everybody that is involved with these plans so that there is a place that they will do their events. We are hopeful that the tests are going to be okay and that everything goes as planned.”

The theater manager, Joshua Harris and the Dean of Social Science/Creative Arts Division Donna Bestock have chosen not to comment.

What this means for Skyline is that It depends on the testing that is to be done.

“The first priority is safety, so if there is asbestos, we’ll abate it and won’t expose the faculty, staff or community to it,” Regina Stanback Stroud, Skyline President, said. “I have confidence that we’ll go through the proper processes. This district has been engaged in construction and modernization, and those kinds of things so our team knows what it’s doing when it comes to that stuff.”

As for finding out the results, a specific date has not been determined and according to Stroud, will be determined next week.

The theater was built in 1969 and has not had significant changes for 46 years. Skyline is receiving about 100 million to remodel the theater and to build a social science/creative arts complex that includes social sciences and technology.

Asbestos is a mineral that causes fatal illnesses such as lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis. It was used by manufacturers and builders in the past for its useful qualities: sound absorption, resistance to fire, heat, electrical and chemical damage, and affordability in order for the buildings to sustain. Most buildings today are built with similar foundations and are not dangerous unless the fibers are inhaled because the material containing it has deteriorated or was purposely disturbed during maintenance or construction.

Safety is what matters most, according to Stroud, who confirmed that Jose Nunez, ‎Vice Chancellor Facilities Planning & Operations at San Mateo County Community College District, is taking care of the matter by being responsive and making sure the right analysis is given in order to continue on with the plans to build.