ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Sunday, April 7, 1996 TAG: 9604080079
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV2 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
COLUMN: Guest Column
SOURCE: JOHN UTIN
In a guest column in last Sunday's Current, Sharon Troy called for a new middle school in Blacksburg rather than renovation of the existing school. Although I share her concerns, additional information is appropriate.
One very large stumbling block to Blacksburg Middle School's use has consistently been its layout.
It was built in the 1950s as a high school when students sat in rows, worked individually, and listened to teachers lecture. Middle school children don't operate that way. They work together at tables, and teachers provide hands-on activities whenever possible.
The '50s technology also shows up in old water pipes with lead solder; asbestos floor tiles and adhesive; big, incredibly leaky windows with not a hint of insulation; and two-wire electrical wiring. Only last week, the last of the coal was removed from one of the boiler rooms! The building needs to be brought into the '90s to support current technology.
Several years ago, the middle school underwent a partial renovation while students were in class. The dust, noise and interruptions were incredible. I remember crews taking up asbestos floor tiles in the sixth-grade hallway. Children stepped over heaps of broken tile as they changed class. Complaints brought this response: "Well, it all depends on whom you believe whether asbestos is harmful or not."
Picture this scenario: For three years, your children will face constant dust and debris. Imagine a classroom where the windows are being removed and replaced or the heating system is being hacked out. If the children are not going to be in the same room as work is being done, where will they go in an already overcrowded building? Is this the learning environment that your child deserves?
I lettered in five sports in high school, was the leading scorer on the Hokies football team in 1967 and have coached several sports. But I do not support at all the opinion that one reason we must renovate is so the Blacksburg High School football and soccer programs won't be inconvenienced. The reason, of course, is that to build a new school, the football stadium eventually must go. Isn't that the tail wagging the dog? The new school need not be built where the stadium is.
Blacksburg Middle School, with only three grade levels, is the second-largest school in the county. We now have eight mobile units at the school, carefully hidden from view. Our current rate of growth will require at least two additional mobile units each year.
The School Board is set to decide the issue April 18. Parents must be involved. Talking to each other achieves little. Write and/or call your School Board member and your supervisor. Demand that your children's education and health not be compromised. Let your opinion be heard.
Jon Utin of Blacksburg, has lived in Montgomery County since 1963 and has been a teacher since 1968, most recently at Blacksburg Middle School.
LENGTH: Medium: 58 linesby CNB