New school was needed to fill out plan

February 23, 2007 11:20 am

— On page 5A of today’s Clinton Herald, our popular historical columnist, Gary Herrity, gives readers a detailed history of the Clinton School District’s beginnings and the many schools that have housed students throughout the years.
Soon the roster of buildings that have been used for such a noble purpose will be one greater: Eagle Heights Elementary School is now under construction and is set to open his fall.
In fact, teachers and staff members from Horace Mann and Elijah Buell elementary schools, the two buildings that will combine under the Eagle Heights roof, recently toured the building where they soon will report to work each day.
Admittedly, there still is work to be done inside the building and the full effect can’t yet be seen. But the look on the staff members’ faces as they recently surveyed their new digs indicated to us they are awed by what the school will offer the students.
We know more space and a brighter learning environment will be good for students and give them a learning place of which they can be proud.
That’s because we know when students moved into the renovated Whittier Elementary School and reopened Bluff Elementary in the late 1990s and the just-opened Jefferson Elementary, the effect on the students could easily be described as a morale booster.
We know some will argue that new buildings are not needed, that students can learn anywhere — older buildings were good enough for students a few generations back. Why not now?
But the truth is, updated, safe schools that can handle technological growth, the needs of all students and school security issues are imperative.
With the opening of Eagle Heights, all elementary students in the district will be able to have an outstanding environment that will enhance their learning experience.