Major Upgrades At Three Detroit High Schools
Work continues to renovate three Detroit public high schools with new lighting and technology. It's all part of a half billion-dollar renovation project approved by voters.
Western International High is one of the schools being completely transformed from the ground up by construction manager Robert Washington and his crews.
"Painting is done in every room, interior lighting in every room and electrical upgrades in every classroom," Washington told WWJ Newsradio 950's Ron Dewey.
English Teacher Danielle Fipiliak believes these changes will matter to the students.
"It sends a clear message to the students that they're valuable -- that they're worth being invested in. As a teacher, it's so crucial for the kids to feel that way," Fipiliak said.
Ninth grader Lorenzo Sanchez, already in one of the 50 classrooms being remodeled, notices the difference.
"Before, it was like, dim lighting... the floor looks better, obviously. Everything is just better. You get more work done," Sanchez said.
Detroit Public Schools Emergency Financial Manager Robert Bobb said the $28 million dollars going into Western beyond upgrading the classrooms.
"We're building a new natatorium swimming complex, not only for the school, but also for the community itself -- it will be a community health center. The area where the old pool is located, we're upgrading that to a cultural center," Bobb said.
The remainder of the school renovations is set for completion this fall.
Once work is finished, 130 classrooms will be modernized at Detroit's Denby and Henry Ford high schools along with Western as part of Proposal S approved by voters in 2009.
