At tonight’s Harrison County Board of Education meeting, representatives of Bridgeport schools made it very clear that improvements to their respective educational facilities were very much needed.  

 

A series of presentations were made at the meeting, which was held in the Bridgeport High School auditorium and stretched over a three-hour span. School administrators, parent representatives – and even students - addressed Superintendent of Harrison County Schools Dr. Mark Manchin, board of education members and key county office personnel, bringing them up to speed on achievements and stating how proposed improvements could further enhance school performance.

 

Simpson Elementary Principal Loria Reid provided a brief synopsis of the school’s history – dating back to the pre-20^th century one-room Laurel Hills School. It was that same property where a brick school was built in 1909, housing both high school and elementary students. She pointed out that in 2010, 10 classrooms were added to the original structure and that in 2014, the original “tower” – which contained various hazards - was demolished, paving the way for construction of a safer facility.

 

Tonight's attendees - including supporting parents and faculty – were shown a video starring SES students and highlighting programs utilized by the school to promote good behavior, collaborative learning opportunities and community service. PTA Vice President Cyndy Smell then took the podium to speak about present needs - specifically making the entry way, front sidewalks and crosswalk safer for students.

 

“In October, PTA President Teresa Lunsford and I met with Dr. Manchin to discuss potential solutions to the front sidewalk and entry way, including a handicap drop-off and pick-up zone,” Smell said. “We also talked about proper drainage and controlling speed in front of the school and adding a few lamp posts along the walkway.”

 

Smell said that Bridgeport City Council had been approached and  asked to provide flashing school zone signs and to work collaboratively with the school board on other improvement projects.

 

“And we appreciate the efficiency on these matters,” she said.

 

In late-October, Manchin came to Simpson Elementary and indicated that it was possible to utilize funds left over from the current Phase II construction project to finance entry way improvements. Hopefully in the near future, Smell said, will be Phase III – the addition of a school gymnasium.

 

Johnson Elementary School Principal Vicki Huffman and PTA President Rose Rossana explained the school’s overcrowded and unsafe condition. Four modular classrooms – purchased nearly 30 years ago by the PTA as a temporary solution – are still being utilized today. With no gymnasium, students take part in physical education in the cafeteria and even hallways.

 

“We are at 112 percent capacity and we’re busting at the seams,” Huffman said.

 

Rossana said that students are exposed to the elements and other unsafe conditions while going to and from modular classrooms. She described other serious problems, including hazards, associated with the school building.

 

“The roof and HVAC system needs replaced and the structure of the roof does not allow for repair. It would require a rebuild,” she said. “The HVAC piping is also leaking with new mold growth in many areas of the building.”

 

There are also asbestos issues, lack of restroom, kitchen and storage facilities and an outdated fire alarm system, among other issues. The bottom line, Rossana said, is that the time for a new school is now.

 

Despite the unfavorable conditions, students of Johnson Elementary are excelling, Huffman said. Attendance rate is 98-99 percent and the school has the highest number of gifted students and ELL (English language learner) students in the county. The school’s very active PTA is nationally recognized and has been instrumental in the school’s success –providing everything from playgrounds and smart boards to air conditioning and sound systems.  

 

Both Simpson and Johnson Elementary schools feed into Bridgeport Middle School and Bridgeport High School. Representatives of both of those schools provided presentations at tonight’s meeting, as well.

 

After thanking BOE President Doug Hogue and Superintendent Manchin for being fearless leaders in education, BMS Principal Carole Crawford introduced the school’s Faculty Senate President Ashley Edgell.

 

It is the student body, Edgell said, that embodies the heart and captures the spirit of BMS. She went on to show a video featuring students Gunnar Webb and Emily Aman in a special edition of the school’s own closed-circuit TV show, “Brave Pride.” The piece showcased achievements including test scores, county championships in boys and girls cross country, volleyball and danceline and a series of WVSSAC academic awards earned for the 2013-2014 school year. Also included in the video was a school-wide focus on the arts and technology.

 

The latter provided a perfect lead-in for a request made by Missy Hinerman of the BMS leadership team. Hinerman asked for the BOE’s consideration of $10,909 – to be added to an already raised $7,000 – for the purchase of 30 iPads and an iPad cart.

 

“Technology is not just the goal of our learning; it’s a tool,” she said. “…We would appreciate your consideration toward funding of this innovative tool.”

 

Bridgeport High School was the last to make requests known. Principal Mark DeFazio introduced Student Body President Mitchell Winkie, also a senior member of the Indian football team, playing this Friday night for the Class AA state championship in Wheeling. Winkie commended the school’s faculty members for their support in academics, as well as programs such as travel abroad, band, strings and many clubs. The school’s athletic achievements are many and academics are impeccable, Winkie said.

 

“There are a multitude of AP and honors classes offered and this school is one of the top schools in the state,” he said. “Students are encouraged to take rigorous classes and have the support of teachers, which to this day, still amazes me. They have created so much stability in my life and these are lessons I’ll carry with me throughout my life.”

 

Diana Marra, a member of both Bridgeport City Council and the BHS School Improvement Council, followed Winkie’s address. Her PowerPoint presentation highlighted some historical and impressive facts regarding strong community support when it comes to BHS education and athletics. Levy support has always been strong, as was a campaign to raise more than $1 million to place turf on Wayne Jamison Field. Ten years later, the time has come to replace that turf and Marra said she has no doubt that the community will once again come together to make that happen.

 

“And we’re talking about a population – even outside city limits – of less than 10,000,” she said.

 

The oldest high school in the county, Bridgeport High School is in desperate need of some major improvement projects, Marra said. Included is a new double-lock entry way and two new chemistry lab/classroom combos.

 

The present entry way is covered by a canopy which leaks extensively and the entrance to the building is merely eight footsteps from the academic wing. The chemistry lab still contains all the original 1963 features and is utilized for both lab and classroom purposes by four different chemistry classes, Marra said.

 

“Seventy percent of the students take chemistry. That’s a huge amount of our children who have to deal with that situation,” she said. “Chemistry is one of those subjects which very much benefits from technological advances and available tools. We need to come into the 21^st century and allow the second floor addition we are asking for.”

 

Marra reiterated and offered support for proposals made by other Bridgeport schools earlier in the meeting.

 

Also offering support and making additional points were two delegations – Bridgeport Mayor Bob Greer and Johnson Elementary Parent Jennifer Bell.

 

Superintendent Manchin indicated that the BOE contingency fund could possibly be utilized for the purchase of iPads as requested by BMS and some playground equipment previously asked for by Johnson Elementary.

 

“Those are two items we could deal with from the contingency fund if we nail down specific numbers and bring them back to the next meeting,” he said.

 

Manchin also said that after it is determined whether or not there are excess funds from Simpson Elementary Phase II, a proposal can be put together to use those funds for future projects.

 

Various other business was conducted by the BOE, but before adjournment, board member Kristin Messenger talked about the BOE’s tour of Johnson Elementary later in the evening. She shared that she had spent a great deal of time at the school on Tuesday and had witnessed much of what was talked about during the meeting.

 

“Everything you saw tonight doesn’t even come close to seeing the kids in the environment,” Messenger said. “I watched them in the hallways and walking from module to module with no coats on. It’s a huge issue with safety.”

 

Messenger said she will work with the board and make every effort with regard to making the build of a new school come to fruition.

 

“I am 100 percent behind your school in this effort,” she said. 

 

Editor's Note: Pictured from top are Johnson Elementary Principal Vicki Huffman distributing materials to BOE members and additional presenters Simpson Elementary Principal Loria Reid, SES PTA Vice President Cyndy Smell, JES PTA President Rose Rossana, BMS Principal Carole Crawford, BHS Principal Mark DeFazio and Student Council President Mitchell Winkie.

 

Look for more highlights of tonight's meeting tomorrow on Connect-Bridgeport.