OCEAN PARK — Ocean Beach School District’s reconfiguration plan is one step closer to becoming reality.

OBSD officials participated in a public hearing for the district’s plan to add a portable to Ocean Park Elementary. The hearing is required before the district adds the portable to OPE’s campus.

The plan is supported by Pacific County Department of Community Development. Senior planner Alexandra Plumb said the school district’s plan follows the county’s special use permit requirements. The county will decide whether the project is approved by the end of May.

OBSD already purchased the portable. The district included purchasing the portable as part of its capital levy, which was approved by 59 percent of voters who participated in the April election.

“We’ve been underutilizing that facility,” said incoming OBSD Superintendent Amy Huntley. “This will help us get the most out of our building.”

If approved, the portable will go behind OPE. The school district will remove a water tank and reconfigure the school’s parking lot. The reconfiguration will add five parking spots, including a handicap spot.

The district plans on re-siding the portable, replacing its roof, replacing its ramps and rails with aluminum, and painting it to match the elementary school.

Village Club leaders Bonnie Cozby and Jerry Herr voiced their support for OBSD’s plan. The pair also are involved in the Ocean Park Chamber of Commerce.

“We were all very pleased when we heard this was going to happen,” Cozby said. “We’re glad to keep the school; it’s a focal point of our town.”

Cozby and Herr said other local groups want to help with more school improvements at OPE.

“It’s amazing how tough it can be to be a student in this area,” Cozby said. “The students need all the support they can get.”

Over 250 people gave the district feedback during public presentations on the reconfiguration. Many people suggested adding a portable to OPE, said OBSD Superintendent Scott Fenter.

“We didn’t expect that at all,” Fenter said.