School infrastructure is failing | LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Published 3:29 pm Friday, February 5, 2016

To the editor:

I encourage you to support the upcoming school bond by voting yes to replace the 100 Building on the Bainbridge High School campus.

As a Bainbridge High School art teacher, parent and former alumni I can assure you that the building is in desperate need of replacement.

Each morning as I turn the key to open the art studio door I never know what awaits me. The infrastructure is failing, and is no longer able to meet the needs of the students it serves. The maintenance and custodial staff work tirelessly repairing, and working on failing systems. Leaking roofs, falling lights and ceiling tiles, poor ventilation, failing boilers, water pipes that are filled with sediment, electrical that cannot support the current programs and equipment, and a need for learning spaces that are designed to meet the curriculum needs of students in the visual and performing arts are just a small list that top my concerns.

The students at Bainbridge High School need quality, functioning visual art and performing art studio spaces that support the exemplary education they are receiving. The current 100 Building does not reflect the strong arts community that our island supports. All students are required to take fine arts credits to graduate, and many choose to fill their elective options with them as well.

It is time that their learning environment support these efforts instead of hindering them in their endeavors. Now is the time to make this happen with a yes vote for the Bainbridge School District bond.

ELIZABETH ANDE

Bainbridge High School Art Teacher