As a member of the Bond Oversight Committee, it is my pleasure to
spotlight the modernization that was done at Bret Harte Elementary
School. I chose to write about Harte, a school that is near and dear
to my heart (no pun intended), because both my sons attended this
school and I served as PTA president there for two years.
For those of you unfamiliar with Harte, the school boasts an
attendance of more than 700. Even prior to modernization, it was a
school that always had a lot going on, with academic and
extracurricular activities abounding. The faculty and staff are a
close-knit group that works together as an amazingly cohesive team.
They are led by principal Diane Berger.
Harte was part of the phase two modernization program that was
completed in June 2001. There are a total of 31 classrooms. The main
building itself has 22 totally modernized classrooms in addition to
the administrative offices. All of the fourth- and fifth-grade
students are housed in a "village" together in nine bungalows, four
of which were completely modernized and three that were partially
modernized.
The basic scope of work was done and encompassed such things as
renovations of restrooms, replacement of windows, technology
infrastructure and air conditioning.
The additional items completed at this school were:
* Interior finishes that included paint, carpet, kitchen flooring
and tackboards.
* Administrative offices reconfigured and remodeled and a
handicapped access restroom installed in the nurse's office.
* Building exterior repainted.
* Lunch shelter seismically retrofitted.
* Playground slurry-sealed and re-striped.
* Blinds, window coverings and stage drapes installed.
* Technology connectivity including cabling and outlets
installed.
After a year and a half of living in the modernized facilities,
what do Mrs. Berger and the staff have to say about their new school?
Having a modernized school improves morale of teachers, staff and the
students who come here to learn. It makes you proud of your school
and the community for their support.
What's probably one of the most, if not the most appreciated new
feature? You guessed it, the ever-popular air conditioning!
Having a temperature-controlled environment makes teaching and
learning so much more efficient.
Especially important to note is that all of the new floors,
classrooms, etc., are being meticulously maintained by their
dedicated custodian, Lou Bonetti, so everything will stay looking new
for a long time to come.
THERESA CRAWFORD
Community Oversight
Committee Member
