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Drip, drip, drip. Avoid the trash can that’s in the middle of the hallway and catching that drip.
Imagine taking a test and constantly hearing that drip, then after finishing class, thinking how someone did on that test while walking down the hallway, not paying attention and oops, a trash can.
These are just some of the things students at Shawnee High School have to deal with on a daily basis.
That could all change if voters approve a proposed $3 million bond issue Nov. 10.
Along with making improvements to the roof at the high school, the issue will address remodeling restrooms, replacing lockers, retrofitting lighting and the electrical system and updating the HVAC system. Jim Thorpe Stadium will get a facelift as monies will be used to construct, furnish and equip new restrooms and a concession stand.
Students and administrators at the school said the changes are needed.
Kassidy Cook, a senior and student council co-president, said this bond issue is a big deal.
As a student, seeing trash cans in the hallway and leaks in the ceiling is very distracting, Cook said.
“Because of all the roof problems, it makes it hard to navigate,” he said, adding the leaks are a distraction, as well.
“The locker next to mine had water in it,” Cook said.
That water Cook referred to leaked into his locker. And some of his books and folders also were wet because of the leaking roof.
“It’s personally affected me,” Cook said.
Cook believes voters should say ‘yes’ to the bond question Nov. 10.
“I’d tell them it’s important for our education,” Cook said. “Having the proper facilities would create a better learning environment.”
If the bond issue doesn’t pass, Cook said he’d be disappointed.
“I think it’s something that needs to be dealt with, so the sooner the better,” Cook said.
Larry Penson, assistant principal at the high school, said some classes have been moved to lessen the distractions to students.
“For me, it’s all about the kids and staff who have to work in this environment each and every day,” Penson said. “It is necessary to provide an environment that is conducive to learning.”
With the way schools get funds, a bond issue is the only solution to ensure students’ safety, Penson said.
“The problem is the roof really, it’s no one’s fault,” Penson said. “There’s more than just the roof condition, but that is the biggest concern.”
Jim Brewer, maintenance and grounds director for the district, has dealt with this problem for a few years now.
“It’s just frustrating,” he said. “It’s really made me stop and watch the weather every day.”
A typical day for Brewer consists of making sure none of the roof is leaking, and, if a leak is found, placing a trash can in the hallway or classroom to ensure the floor doesn’t get any wetter.
“Deterioration of the roof has come to the point it’s not justifiable to do some repairs,” Brewer said.
This is why the district is pursuing the bond issue, he said. It’s more feasible to repair the entire roof, than to fix the roof in patches.
Along with the fixes at the school, Jim Thorpe Stadium also will get a facelift.
The stadium was built in the 1930s, Brewer said.
“There has been very limited updating,” he said. “Now, it would just be conducive of pride to have a modern concession stand and restrooms for not only our fans, but the visiting fans as well.”
While student council co-president, Cook also plays on the football team. He said during the last home game, there was a problem in the restrooms at the stadium, which had to be closed, and other restrooms at the practice facility had to be used.
“New restrooms, new concessions could definitely be used,” he said. “It’s definitely outdated. It’s just a big chunk of concrete.”
As a player, Cook said the fans need to be “into the game” as well and sometimes they might not be and the players believe the stadium might have something to do with that.
“It makes us kind of feel inferior,” he said. “Having new facilities would give a sense of pride. It could make the players have a sense of pride.”
Michael McLaughlin, a senior at the high school, said while not attending every Shawnee football game, he has gone to a few and believes the stadium needs help.
“It’s not an inviting environment,” he said. “From a student or attendant of the game, when you walk in, it needs to be remodeled and updated. If we were to remodel, it definitely would make it inviting to students that were visiting our facilities for away games.”
Polls for the Nov. 10 vote will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. State statutes require school bond issues to pass by a super majority, or 60 percent.
“I think that all action to replace the roof is necessary,” McLaughlin said. “The roof creates adverse conditions for students.”
———
Josh Burton may be reached by calling 214-3926
Drip, drip, drip. Avoid the trash can that’s in the middle of the hallway and catching that drip.
Imagine taking a test and constantly hearing that drip, then after finishing class, thinking how someone did on that test while walking down the hallway, not paying attention and oops, a trash can.
These are just some of the things students at Shawnee High School have to deal with on a daily basis.
That could all change if voters approve a proposed $3 million bond issue Nov. 10.
Along with making improvements to the roof at the high school, the issue will address remodeling restrooms, replacing lockers, retrofitting lighting and the electrical system and updating the HVAC system. Jim Thorpe Stadium will get a facelift as monies will be used to construct, furnish and equip new restrooms and a concession stand.
Students and administrators at the school said the changes are needed.
Kassidy Cook, a senior and student council co-president, said this bond issue is a big deal.
As a student, seeing trash cans in the hallway and leaks in the ceiling is very distracting, Cook said.
“Because of all the roof problems, it makes it hard to navigate,” he said, adding the leaks are a distraction, as well.
“The locker next to mine had water in it,” Cook said.
That water Cook referred to leaked into his locker. And some of his books and folders also were wet because of the leaking roof.
“It’s personally affected me,” Cook said.
Cook believes voters should say ‘yes’ to the bond question Nov. 10.
“I’d tell them it’s important for our education,” Cook said. “Having the proper facilities would create a better learning environment.”
If the bond issue doesn’t pass, Cook said he’d be disappointed.
“I think it’s something that needs to be dealt with, so the sooner the better,” Cook said.
Larry Penson, assistant principal at the high school, said some classes have been moved to lessen the distractions to students.
“For me, it’s all about the kids and staff who have to work in this environment each and every day,” Penson said. “It is necessary to provide an environment that is conducive to learning.”
With the way schools get funds, a bond issue is the only solution to ensure students’ safety, Penson said.
“The problem is the roof really, it’s no one’s fault,” Penson said. “There’s more than just the roof condition, but that is the biggest concern.”
Jim Brewer, maintenance and grounds director for the district, has dealt with this problem for a few years now.
“It’s just frustrating,” he said. “It’s really made me stop and watch the weather every day.”
A typical day for Brewer consists of making sure none of the roof is leaking, and, if a leak is found, placing a trash can in the hallway or classroom to ensure the floor doesn’t get any wetter.
“Deterioration of the roof has come to the point it’s not justifiable to do some repairs,” Brewer said.
This is why the district is pursuing the bond issue, he said. It’s more feasible to repair the entire roof, than to fix the roof in patches.
Along with the fixes at the school, Jim Thorpe Stadium also will get a facelift.
The stadium was built in the 1930s, Brewer said.
“There has been very limited updating,” he said. “Now, it would just be conducive of pride to have a modern concession stand and restrooms for not only our fans, but the visiting fans as well.”
While student council co-president, Cook also plays on the football team. He said during the last home game, there was a problem in the restrooms at the stadium, which had to be closed, and other restrooms at the practice facility had to be used.
“New restrooms, new concessions could definitely be used,” he said. “It’s definitely outdated. It’s just a big chunk of concrete.”
As a player, Cook said the fans need to be “into the game” as well and sometimes they might not be and the players believe the stadium might have something to do with that.
“It makes us kind of feel inferior,” he said. “Having new facilities would give a sense of pride. It could make the players have a sense of pride.”
Michael McLaughlin, a senior at the high school, said while not attending every Shawnee football game, he has gone to a few and believes the stadium needs help.
“It’s not an inviting environment,” he said. “From a student or attendant of the game, when you walk in, it needs to be remodeled and updated. If we were to remodel, it definitely would make it inviting to students that were visiting our facilities for away games.”
Polls for the Nov. 10 vote will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. State statutes require school bond issues to pass by a super majority, or 60 percent.
“I think that all action to replace the roof is necessary,” McLaughlin said. “The roof creates adverse conditions for students.”
———
Josh Burton may be reached by calling 214-3926
