Falling panels, lack of computer, gangs, drop-outs, underachieving, bad – these are all words that would have aptly described the Jeremiah E. Burke High School in Dorchester, a school that lost its accredition for two years in the mid 90s. Today, students and faculty can start to use different words, as the city has finally completed a multi-year, $49.5 million renovation of the school.
The Jeremiah E. Burke High School prior to renovation.
The renovation brought a new gymnasium, dozens of new computers in the library and several computer labs, and a visual and performing arts center. Additionally, a new community center and a new branch of the Boston Public Library will open in January on the site.
Students walked into the newly rehabbed facility for the first time, and many were awe inspired by what they saw:
Students actually have something to be proud of now. I can see myself staying here all day without getting bored. -Augusto Ceron, student at Jeremiah E. Burke High School
When touring the school back in 1995, Boston Mayor Thomas M. Menino experienced first hand how far into decay the school had fell. A ceiling tile fell from above and nearly hit the Mayor on the head. It was from that point on that he began campaigning for improvements in the school system. The renovation is a big step in the right direction, taking one of the most decrepit schools in the system and turning it into a gem of a facility.
With the improvements in facilities, officials are also hoping for an improvement in grades, the drop out rate, and MCAS scores, which have all been below (or in the case of the number of drop outs, above) the state averages.
Residents who have been fighting for the city to improve the quality of the school finally feel vindicated. As Claudia Owumi, a mother of three graduates, said, “This is a dream come true.”
Source: Boston Globe
Image: Heart of the City
Filed under: Boston, Completed Project, Dorchester, Educational, Massachusetts, Renovation
