During a recent board meeting, educators and community members from Wilbur Cross High School voiced urgent concerns regarding the deteriorating conditions of the school's facilities, emphasizing the impact on students and staff.
Mia, a teacher and parent, highlighted the stark contrast between the school's vibrant past and its current state, describing the pool as a \"cesspool\" filled with mold and algae, and lamenting the lack of maintenance that has rendered many facilities unusable. She presented photographic evidence of the disrepair, including issues in the library, music rooms, and culinary spaces, and called for immediate action from the district and city to secure funding for renovations.
Chris Mendoza, a multilingual learners teacher, echoed these sentiments, noting the significant increase in student enrollment, particularly among multilingual learners, which has exacerbated overcrowding and strained resources. Mendoza criticized the architects' assessment of the building's condition as \"fair,\" pointing out that many areas are unusable due to mold and other issues. She urged the board to develop a transparent facilities plan and to address the overcrowding by redistributing students across schools.
Ashley Stockton, a teacher and parent, emphasized the pride and community spirit at Wilbur Cross but pointed out the urgent need for improved athletic facilities. She described the lack of basic amenities, such as functioning ice machines and accessible bathrooms, which are essential for student athletes. Stockton called for the board to prioritize maintenance and investment in athletic facilities to ensure a safe and supportive environment for all students.
The collective message from these speakers was clear: the current state of disrepair is not only a safety concern but also a barrier to achieving educational and social goals. They urged the board to take decisive action to secure funding and improve conditions, emphasizing that the health and safety of students and staff must be a priority.