DATE: Wednesday, August 6, 1997             TAG: 9708060005

SECTION: LOCAL                   PAGE: B12  EDITION: FINAL 

TYPE: Opinion 

SOURCE: BY JOSEPH T. WALDO 
                                            LENGTH:   88 lines

TAYLOR ELEMENTARY HAS OUTLIVED ITS USEFULNESS TO OUR CHILDREN

The confusion, controversy and misinformation generated by a small group of citizens opposed to rebuilding Taylor Elementary School has prompted me to provide the public with facts regarding the School Board's decision. I do not speak for the School Board, but I believe I am as knowledgeable on the Taylor School issue as anyone involved.

Opponents of rebuilding Taylor have stated that renovation was never considered or not adequately considered. This is, simply stated, incorrect.

Initially, the School Board planned to renovate the existing building and add a new wing. Norfolk public school personnel, in conjunction with an outside engineering consultant, studied the structure for several months. An architectural firm with extensive experience in renovation and school projects was selected. They explored many renovation alternatives and provided extensive documentation. However, with the consensus of independent mechanical, electrical and structural engineers, renovation was determined not to be the best decision regarding Taylor. They recommended that a new building should be built fronting Princess Anne Road. Although many needs can be met with renovation, the major obstacles were:

The building would have to be stripped inside and out, which would destroy the character of the building. The original windows were replaced years ago.

The existing windows dictate the current floor levels. These floor levels neither meet fire safety standards nor provide adequate disability access. For a number of years the school has had to operate with a waiver from the Fire Department.

Future expansion would not be possible with the site constraints of the existing building.

The School Board felt strongly that residents, parents and other interested people should be provided the opportunity to receive information and comment on the Taylor capital-improvement project. Two advertised public meetings were held which included presentations by the architects and engineers, and public comment. Various groups, such as the Parent Teacher Association and the West Ghent Civic League, were presented information on an individual basis. In addition, public comment regarding Taylor School was accepted at two School Board meetings.

The public forums indicated there is much emotional attachment to Taylor Elementary School and a strong sense of historic preservation in our city. However, the vast majority of our citizens realize that the building has outlived the usefulness as an educational facility for elementary children and that our children deserve better.

The School Board, nevertheless, decided to delay its decision. This enabled the board to answer questions and gather additional information. The consultant, architects and school personnel availed themselves to further scrutiny. Despite accusations by a few people, I am satisfied the school administration and School Board included the entire community in this process. The board listened to all participants, has been sensitive to both sides of the issue and has been open to suggestions.

The Granby High School project now under way and the Maury High School renovation are evidence of the School Board's commitment to renovation whenever possible. However, the School Board accepted the recommendations of the professionals and voted unanimously on Feb. 27 to proceed with plans to build a new school. The decision was based on the following:

1. A new building will meet the educational needs of our children better than a renovation.

2. Our students will be safer and more secure in a new building.

3. The taxpayers' money will be more wisely spent on a new building.

Input and suggestions from the public have been extremely beneficial. West Ghent residents have asked that the drawings of the new building resemble the current school building, and these recommendations have been incorporated into the plan. All recommendations from citizens of Norfolk have and will be taken into consideration. For the past several weeks, a small but vocal group has embarked on a campaign to have the decision to build a new school reversed. Appeals continue to be made to the School Board and to members of City Council. This group wants a renovated building at any cost. That cost includes a less efficient and less safe building for our children at a price tag significantly above what the new building will cost. Our responsibility as School Board members is to ensure a safe environment conducive to learning. A renovated building will not provide this.

Plans for new construction are close to completion. The design concept and site of the facility have received approval by both the design review committee and the planning commission. The exterior task force has approved the building's facade. At this stage, it is expected that construction will begin in late October or early November, and completion is expected to be between December 1998 and April 1999.

I understand the emotion and allegiance to the 1917-era structure. I, too, care about preservation. However, the existing Taylor Elementary School building can no longer handle the educational needs of our children. It is time to move forward. A new building is the proper solution to best meet our children's needs. KEYWORDS: ANOTHER VIEW

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