Marietta set to approve $16M elementary school overhaul

From 2001: Dell Boettger, right, teaches an ESOL class at Park Street Elementary in what was once a teacher conference room. There were many cramped classrooms that year, whern the school had more than 800 students.

Credit: Andy Sharp

Credit: Andy Sharp

From 2001: Dell Boettger, right, teaches an ESOL class at Park Street Elementary in what was once a teacher conference room. There were many cramped classrooms that year, whern the school had more than 800 students.

After decades of painting murals and science experiments and first-day tears, it appears Park Street Elementary will be torn down and built anew.

Marietta City Schools board of education members are set to vote on a resolution letting the state know it intends to go forward with the demolition and construction but would like some financial help. The exact amount wasn’t given.

Voters last year approved a $16 million budget using E-SPLOST — Education Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax — funds.

This March 26, 1999, photo was taken at Marietta's Park Street Elementary School. A group of third graders in the class of Ms. Shawn Underwood are having a good time at recess. The story was about how much the school needed new playground equipment. (Andy Sharp)

Credit: ANDY SHARP

icon to expand image

Credit: ANDY SHARP

Erick Hofstetter, assistant superintendent of operations for MCS, said the new school will be in the same spot with the same name. In general, the overhaul would “modernize” facilities, he said.

The original building was first constructed and opened in 1942, Hofstetter said.

According to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution archives, Park Street underwent at $2.4 million taxpayer-funded facelift in the mid-80s.

The school has seen much change.

READMarietta considering school bus tracker for parents

Between 1994 and 2000, Hispanic enrollment soared from 14 percent to 41 percent, according to a story at the time.

“Parents of some American-born students have complained that their children lose out because teachers spend too much time helping Hispanic students learn English,” the story read.

But over the years, ESOL teachers have won local awards for their work helping students learn English.

This Oct. 23, 2002 photo was taken at Marietta's Park Street Elementary School. Kindergartener Leslie Paige, 5 at the time, was playing on an alleyway mural painted over two summers by Park Street teachers. (Andy Sharp)

Credit: Andy Sharp

icon to expand image

Credit: Andy Sharp

In 2001, a third of students qualified for English language instruction.

An even bigger issue at the time was space.

In 2002, all of Park Street’s second-grade students were taught in portable classrooms. Two special education classes were held in the basement. Other students learned in teacher conference rooms and literal supply closets. Some trailers lacked air-conditioning.

READ5-star Cobb basketball recruit makes his choice for college

That same year, 53 percent of voters rejected a $15.2 bond referendum to build an elementary school that would ease the load on Park Street and others like Dunleith and Lockheed elementary schools.

Less than 3 percent of voters turned out in a precinct that sends children to Park Street, according to an AJC story at the time.

The MCS board is slated to vote on the school overhaul at its April 17 meeting, which starts at 7 p.m. at the administrative building, 250 Howard St.

Like Cobb County News Now on Facebook | Follow us on Twitter

In other news...