The email was framed as a request for collaboration. Some colleagues were "crowdsourcing" concerns that staff had about the physical condition of our school building. "Unfortunately," they wrote, "duct tape and prayer can only go so far."
I was not surprised; our school opened in 1971, and as state-of-the-art as it was then, the last 50+ years have seen a lot of wear and tear, as well as the implementation of countless quick-fixes resulting in the division and re-division of many of the larger spaces in the school. As a result, there is not much natural light, despite a renovation project 15 years ago that added some windows and skylights. In addition, a minor earthquake a few years ago damaged the foundation, and the construction of a whole elementary school in our parking lot has made access to our building less convenient and less welcoming.
For years students have asked me if it was true that our school was built as a prison, because of the square tower-like features it has in the rear. "No," I always laugh, "I'm pretty sure the architects had more of a castle in mind, kind of like the concrete version of ivory towers."
They are not convinced, but truth be told, having spent the last 30 years there, I love the old place, and so I was appalled when I clicked the link to the document my colleague had sent and read the title: Reasons why our building sucks!
Life Lesson: Be true to your school, just like you would to your girl or guy. ~Beach Boys "Be True to Your School"
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