High school is the breeding ground of procrastination and apparently not just for students.
The last time a bond was passed for the school district leading to a renovation at Marshfield was in 1998, when a piece of the ceiling fell in the East Branch, just missing a teacher. Thus, Pirate Hall was born. The Main Building, however, is long due for some TLC.
Responsible homeowners take good care of their homes. Of course there is no absence of problems in homes; it is inevitable they will occur. But normally a person who lives somewhere strives to keep their home in good condition at least, if not better. Students spend five days a week here, sometimes longer than at home. The buildings are not kept in the condition a place housing nearly 1,000 students should. After 20 years with no major changes, it is impossible for problems not to be snowballing in a building constructed 76 years ago. It is not the students’ choice to ignore the problems here and they have no control over what may happen to this building or themselves. That is why it is important the community is aware and cares about it too.
The school looks like it is dying. Those new to the community or people considering this district compared to our neighbors to the north, might decide to avoid our more run-down buildings. Maybe all of these problems would be resolved if they were attacked at the roots. Due to only small, absolutely necessary repairs being made inside the building, the physical appearance of the school has gradually declined and is undesirable to many. It seems superficial, but the United States is a superficial country. For example, colleges attract students to their school with clean and modern campuses. This is the kind of atmosphere students should be in when they are preparing for the rest of their lives. School should be a place that inspires students, a place students want to be and feel proud to be a part of and a place that does not give off gloomy vibes. The students will reflect the school, and at this point, the future is dingy and dark.
Marshfield does have great aspects that do offer a lot not only to the school, but to the community as well. The auditorium and the main gym host many events the community benefits from. The main gym is probably one of the most well-kept facilities in town. The 3A tournament brings in profit for the entire town. It is common to see basketball teams eager to come to Coos Bay to play on Hoffine Court. A sense of pride in the school is created in an environment where there is something for the students to be proud of. This would not be the case if the main gym resembled the main building. Why is it that standards are raised for others, but not for the students and teachers who attend the school daily?
In the upcoming November presidential election, a bond is being placed on the ballot to make improvements to not only Marshfield, but for a massive, all-inclusive renovation to schools district wide. If the money is there, it needs to be used to fulfill the promise of a good education and an appropriate environment. It is vital to keep younger generations in Coos Bay to keep it thriving, and with the descent of schools, that will never happen. With the necessary improvements, students, parents and staff will be attracted to Marshfield and will flood in, instead of fleeing.
