ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Sunday, August 25, 1996 TAG: 9608260009
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-2 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
COLUMN: Guest Column
SOURCE: JON UTIN
No decision about Blacksburg Middle School has been made; therefore, since all options still seem to be open, I am proposing yet another: Build a new 800-student school and put fifth- and sixth-graders in it. The current middle school would then be built/renovated for seventh- and eighth-graders.
Here are some reasons this would work very well:
* Having a fifth- and sixth-grade middle school would instantly alleviate overcrowding problems at both Blacksburg elementary schools and BMS.
* The current downtown building and most of its students would remain, thus removing a major stumbling block. The new wing could be built; renovation of the existing structure could then occur without any students in the building.
* There would sufficient acreage for 800 students.
* The football stadium could remain where it is.
* The only destruction would be to raze the East Wing, which was a planned step regardless of the chosen plan.
In talking with many people during the summer, the most often-stated concern was from those whose children will be entering the middle school as sixth-graders when the reconstruction begins. They worry their children will be exposed to the hazards of renovation (whatever they may be, real, possible or unreal).
I urge the Montgomery County School Board and Board of Supervisors to ensure that an engineer be hired specifically to oversee all construction and renovation. This person must especially have the interests of students and teachers foremost. He or she should be someone who is willing and able to work closely with the principal during renovation to ensure that the health and learning environment is not compromised. This person should have no other responsibilities (other than ensuring that the taxpayers' needs are met) and should report directly to the superintendent of schools and the School Board.
Finally, what a good idea it would be to have all meetings of our elected boards broadcast live on local cable television, as are the Blacksburg Town Council meetings.
Jon Utin has taught at Blacksburg Middle School for 28 years.
LENGTH: Short : 46 linesby CNB