Facility Concerns #5

            According to the Plaindealer, there has been a number of positive responses to the articles submitted, so I hope that continues and you communicate with your Board members.  The classrooms we currently utilize for 7-12 science classes are lacking.  All of our classrooms have limited storage availability, but the science rooms have additional concerns.  With space at a premium, the lab areas used in all three rooms are neither sufficient nor safe for activities with students.  The lab spaces are cramped together in one classroom, on an outside wall in another (which does not allow for safe observation by the instructor), and non-existent in the third room.  Hands-on activities are an essential part of science instruction and have been shown to help students learn in all disciplines.  The additional ventilation and storage areas for science materials are necessary, but limited in our current configuration.

            The food services area, including preparation and seating spaces have limitations.  In our kitchen, we do not have the recommended space for preparation and/or storage of kitchen supplies.  While the staff has made it work, it does have the potential for an unsafe environment in the limited space available.  In the seating area (multipurpose room), there are a finite number of seats because of the built in cafeteria tables.  Also, the space for tables is limited which causes difficulty with scheduling lunches.  Currently, we run our lunches from 11:00-1:00 for all of our students, and there are times when they stand and wait with a tray because there is not a table to sit at until another class clears out of the room.  Our principals do well with scheduling, but this becomes problematic.

            Finally, the auditorium is in need of a freshened look.  While it is not anticipated to be a required expansive renovation, replacing the flooring of the stage and seating area, replacing seating and updating the look needs to be done, at a minimum.  As often as the space is in use, including public performances, meetings, and assemblies, this should be an area of pride for our students and the general public.

            Again, to build off of last week’s article, there are many great things also happening in our district.  Thanks to the concerted effort of our students, staff, and parents, that should be praised and will be in future installments.  The facility improvements discussed and completed will only help to enhance what our students are able to accomplish in their time at Tekamah-Herman Schools and help to emphasize the importance the entire community places on education.

Please feel free to visit my blog at http://suptcorner.blogspot.com or by visiting our webpage and clicking on “Superintendent’s Corner” in the top right corner.  Each previous article is archived here and you have the opportunity to provide feedback or suggestions.