Over the years, NSNO’s blog has captured not only the stories of our educators and students, but also the spaces where they learn and grow. This week, we share two of our own blog posts that touch on the impact of our beautiful new facilities and the need to preserve them. We’re also sharing an incredible resource that The74 published last year—with in-depth histories of school rebuilding and striking photos.

“The new building is very exciting. When I first went to Booker T. Washington, they didn’t have any lockers or ice water. One of my projects when I was student councilman was to figure out how we could get ice water. We raised the money to get two water coolers—one upstairs and one downstairs. We had cold water with a little faucet.

We also didn’t have lockers. They had indentations on the walls where lockers could go, but no lockers.  Now, it’s beautiful. It’s fantastic. When I walked in there, I thought, I remember walking on these steps—at 1201 South Roman Street—years ago, and now this is beautiful.”

“Today, our children are learning in beautiful, up-to-date buildings. Many are historic structures that retain distinctive original details and facades. Our schools have stunning new science labs, libraries, educational kitchens, gyms, gardens, auditoriums, and arts spaces. These are the types of facilities our children need and deserve. They drive learning, and they also show students the type of care and respect we have for them as a community…

But schools will always require ongoing maintenance to stay in strong working order. Our district has been using funds efficiently and thoughtfully to make repairs, but they need continued funding to keep schools in the condition our children deserve. A millage could provide that funding. “

  “The 2005 hurricane and subsequent flood destroyed or severely damaged 110 of the 126 public school buildings operating at the time. Bringing them back was a linchpin of efforts to rebuild the city. Displaced families could not return until there were classrooms to welcome their kids…The logistical challenges of the $2 billion effort were unprecedented. No one had ever tried to rebuild an entire school system.”