Community Workshops Aim to Improve Rockwell, Johnson Schools

Monday marked the first of three community workshops held by Bethel's Board of Education, who is exploring its options to improve the infrastructure of the Johnson (grades 4-5) and Rockwell (K-3) Schools.

The schools were built more than 30 years ago (Johnson in 1980 and Rockwell in 1971), and the Board of Education has selected Drummey Rosane Anderson, Inc. (DRA) to complete a facility study to "provide detailed information about the current infrastructure, utilities, energy conservation, handicapped accessibility and instructional flexibility" for these buildings.

On Monday night, Board of Education Chairman Larry Craybas said while the buildings have provided more than 30 years of investment, the board needs to start thinking about improvements.

"We've had this professional organization come in to give us the lay of our land and to let us know what our options are," Craybas said.

DRA Representative Jim Barrett led Monday's workshop that included about 20 teacher, administrators, parents and former students, giving their input and suggestions to improve the schools.

Barrett said, "Along with our study and community feedback, we'll be able to whittle down those options that are best for Bethel."

Participants were broken up into three discussion groups, "containers," "contents" and "currents." Barrett explained that "containers," led by architect Paul Brown, represented areas of physical improvements; "contents," let by DRA representative Paul Moore, represented educational improvements; and "currents," led by Barrett, represented local demographic trends.

Brown said his group discussed the issues of increased pick off/drop off at the schools, parking and roof damage/support.

'The perception I got was that people here are appropriately concerned and that they want to do what's best for their kids," Brown said. "The roofs, (for example), are in bad shape and are leaking...people are also concerned about the children's safety while being dropped off at school."

Moore said academic improvements are tied in with physical improvements to the school buildings. 

"My group was concerned that classrooms have very small windows and not enough natural light; studies have shown that students do better working under natural light," Moore said. "Also Bethel's art and music programs are wonderful, but appear to near a larger space to excel."

During his discussion, Moore said he has seen success in schools that have a variety in physical classroom size to fit the needs of of small and large groups of students. He added that technology plays a big role in improving school infrastructure and that computers, media centers and libraries now require larger, more effective spaces. 

"If you speak to educators and look around the schools, technology is clearly becoming a greater need," Barrett said, agreeing with Moore. "More classroom space in needed."

Barrett's "currents" group also discussed the decline in Bethel Schools' enrollment, which is consistent with state and national trends that show an aging population and one that's having fewer children. However, an increase in ESL and special needs students was also cause for concern.

Those interested in learning more can attending the second workshop titled "Alternatives: Understanding Options" at the  on Monday, June 13. DRA will present the final work shop in the fall, called "Shaping Recommendations" that is based on its findings and feedback.

Until then, the Board of Education said it will make no decisions about the facility study for the elementary schools and is using DRA and community input to understand all options and ideas. 

The Board of Education also encourages feedback from those unable to attend the workshops, who can e-mail boe@bethel.k12.ct.us with their comments or call 203-794-8601 for more information.