We had the privilege of visiting two sites on Saturday. It is always interesting to see how school mission and the contemporary times influenced the amount of space allocated to various missions of the school. Most striking was the allocation of space to Special Education, Vocational Education, and Alternative Education, including content recovery and other creative approaches to addressing the needs of students that otherwise would drop out of school. The use of simple materials and the allowance for technology infrastructure were striking. The diverse community served by the school was also addressed in the design of the facility...urban, suburban, and rural...all seemed to have some part that addressed community need.
Jubilee Academy was much a simpler facility. As we came to understand, so too was the mission of Jubilee Academy much simpler. Mr. Israel Rios and team he serves with were of one accord, and very articulate in their understanding of the misssion of the school. The TEA designation of Recognized School District was not an accidental thing. What was impressive was the mastery of principles of finance, facility planning, and the clarity with which these leaders of the Board President and the CFO about these things. All-in-all, the day was pretty amazing in terms of what you were called upon to learn.
Please respond to this post with three to four inches of thoughtful text summarizing your own thoughts about each of these facility experiences. Please identify things you noticed that I did not mention, nor did anyone else mention. (Those who post later will probably have a tougher time, but let me see some reflection here regarding these two facility design experiences.)
When I go on these tours I look at the school from a different stand point than most. Construction has always been in my life. When I was growing up I spent most of my summers in and around construction sites all around Bexar county, including time at East Central HS when my Dad built the field house and locker rooms. When I look at a school I am looking at the architecture and engineering involved in building and designing the building. My wife says I am anal when it comes to little details. One thing that drove me nuts in the library was the fact the over the check out area the wall behind the pipes was not painted. I know the school is not finished yet. I hope that when the school is completed I will be able to return and tour the finished product.
ReplyDeleteI think that ECHS is a top notch school in design and layout. I love the bright wide open halls. I love the “industrial look” that was in the ceiling by leaving the Cat6 computer wire exposed. Everyone seemed to notice it and talked about it, but I bet that after a week you will not even see it again.
When we moved on the second location you could see the difference that tax dollars make. The Jubilee Academy was a completely different type of building. You could tell that the school does not have the building funds that East Central ISD has. Their build was building full of bare bones not frills classrooms. Being paid for without bonds makes it hard for a school to build a building. They have done a wonderful job. I would have never thought of a Charter school being as nice as it was.
Thanks to both guys for sharing you schools with us.
Wow! What another amazing facility that we were able to observe at East Central High School. With a background in career tech I thoroughly enjoyed the amount of the school dedicated to service oriented trades. With much negative publicity about our young people and schools these days, I couldn’t help think what another great slam against that type of propaganda with young people stepping up and giving up their time on a Saturday, to cook and serve people they don’t even know and taking pride in preparing a meal for us. It didn’t stop there –band students marching for a fund raiser, students taking their SAT, and cheerleader tryouts. OUTSTANDING!!! I liked what Roland said about the mall concept for the kids and thought the large hallways and natural lighting was fantastic.
ReplyDeleteThe Jubilee school was also impressive in that while small you could readily see that the common theme of school occurring with work posted in the hallway next to classrooms and sense the excitement of learning on a daily basis by the look of the classrooms. I couldn’t help think of some of the challenges faced on a daily basis with noticing that the gym serves as a lunchroom and a gym. I assume tables must be moved in and out of the way daily and possibly twice a day for breakfast and lunch so students can have access to these activities. It is proven what a difference small class sizes can make and the Jubilee school certainly has this in their favor.
While most people choose to live in a certain area, either rural or city, and most folks have a choice while some may not, it is very clear that people are proud of their local schools regardless of age, size and local. While touring each of these schools I couldn’t help think they are all much like a house, and just a building. It is our students, faculty and the atmosphere we create in each of them that makes them not only a school, but a school unique to each of our areas.
I was impressed with both campuses for different reasons. Both were obviously functional school houses with a common purpose.
ReplyDeleteECHS is state-of-the-art, right down to the food services educational facility and Agricultural buildings. The library was incredible, and it is obvious that even the custodial team takes great pride in the building, as it was spotless! As a student or parent of ECHS, I would feel great confidence upon walking in the school each day that my needs for safety and security were being met.
In addition, Roland impresses me with his involvement and knowledge of all that is going on at his school, both curicullar and operationally.
Jubilee Academy looks like a traditional private school, although it operates as a charter school. The facility is functional, but lacks warmth and feels embedded in the past. Isreal seems to be a man of educational vision, and I know that he will help guide his organization into the future. At this point, the cold facts are that the school doesn't have the funds to house all students adequately and equally; although there are plans for future expansion to a larger property. The most important information that I felt was shared with us was that the students who maintain proper behavior are achieving academically. What more could a parent want?
It has definitely been an awesome learning experience visiting a variety of campuses this semester. We have seen new state of the art campuses as well as older remodeled campuses and everything in between. The bottom line is they are all functional buildings designed with the purpose of meeting the needs of their community.
ReplyDeleteHaving not been too familiar with charter schools and how they function, the Jubilee Academy was very impressive. I was amazed how they are able to take the same challenges of fulfilling the need for different special programs and learning needs on a smaller scale with less upper administrative support. I have worked for smaller districts where you are your own central office. It can be very challenging.
It was interesting to see how Jubilee Academy was able to take a rather simple structure and make it an inviting place for students to learn.
I was very impressed with the structure of East Central High School. It was interesting to see and hear about the facility and how it meets the needs of a very diverse population. The thought and planning that went into the structure was impressive. While walking through the campus and listening to Roland tell us of the different buildings, it was evident that there is definitely something for everyone on that campus.
I was honored to have lunch in the culinary classroom. The students did a remarkable job and took pride in their work. It was so refreshing to see high school students have an interest and passion in a possible career field that they would give up a Saturday to participate.
On another note, I had to chuckle hearing Roland speak of the obstacles that he has encountered with the opening of a new building. Those of us who have lived it can definitely relate. I remember fire alarms going off at the most inopportune times when I had been assured "we are only here for a few minutes and learning will not be interrupted." Although tripped fire alarms can assist in fulfilling the fire drill log, how many do you really need in a month?
Thank you Isreal and Roland for sharing your facilities with us.
Another meaningful learning experience! I have had the fortune of being directly involved in our project from the initial facility needs assessment to the design and eventual construction. Our design was considerate of a limited budget. From the beginning, we agreed that any "bells and whistles" would be tied to technology infrastructure and CATE/Elective programming. Other than that, we wanted to get as much generic classroom space into a two story rectangular structure. General instructional spaces were designed with adaptability in mind and we were careful not to include any trendy components that might be popular today and gone tomorrow. In addition, we did not build a larger building because we did not want to be stuck with a physical plant outfitted for 4000 only to be serving 2000 when a new HS is built in 7-10 yrs. Jubilee Academy was also built with economics and adaptability in mind. Being that the facility serves all levels of students, I could not imagine a more efficient design concept with a limited budget. I also found it interesting that regardless of the funding source(s), the process was exactly the same. Like myself, I am certain that Isreal is grateful to have had the opportunity to be directly involved in the building construction process while serving as building Principal.
ReplyDeleteBeing a former coach, I always take special interest in what is offered for students as far as extra-curricular activities. I have seen many students who may have struggled or even dropped out of school, participate in extra-curricular activities and in turn make it through high school and become prosperous adults in the "real world". After visiting ECHS and Roland talking about all the activities students were involved in on that particular Saturday, I realize even in large schools that band, athletics, AG, etc. play a vital role in teaching young adults responsibility, dedication and determination. The facilities at ECHS were definitely developed for these students in mind. Great job Roland.
ReplyDeleteOn a smaller scale, but all the same, Jubilee Schools also have facilities for students to participate in extra-curricular activities. I was glad to see a gymnasium downstairs to give their students the opportunity to participate.
Current funding issues for the Texas Education Agency are showing a tremendous cut in funds for school districts across the state of Texas. I know no cuts are good, but I hope opportunities for students like extra-curricular activities are not the one's that get their funds cut.
The facilities at East Central, although we did not get a foul tour, were amazing. After hearing of the tenacity of the district superintendent, one would not expect to see anything short of excellent. Mr. Patterson imparted great insight into the relationship between the school board and the superintendent. His resolve was evident in his relentlessness to keep his position as East Central ISD's superintendent. Others in similar situations folded took a settlement and looked for their next job. Mr. Patterson fought for what he felt was right and was able to do what was right for the community the district serves. His ability to balance all that was thrown at him, the litigation he faced, and his family was most impressive. The individuals, superintendents, that we have met this semester have had common traits. They have been resilient, have been able to discern when to fight, and have all shown that they have great character.
ReplyDeleteJubilee Academy is considered a school of choice, not only for our families but for our faculty as well. Tom Koger and Rene Gallegos ensure that the school funds are allocated appropriately. Learning at this school takes place from the top down. The knowledge that these two gentlemen hold is constantly imparted on the school's leadership team. They themselves are life long learners and are continually trying to look at the future of the school and planning for future growth. The facilities may never be as impressive as other schools we have visited but what the school serves the community in a manner that keeps families returning year after year.
East Central HS is so similar to Lopez MS in that both facilities use architectural materials and structures that are more natural, and expose those things previously hidden in facilities, such as the air ducts, concrete floors, etc. As a former CTE Director, I could certainly appreciate the state-of-the-art culinary arts facility and construction/Ag trade building. I also think the placement of the library and culinary facility closest to the front entrance was a clever plan since it makes both easily accessible to the general public.
ReplyDeleteI have only been inside two charter schools. The visit to Jubilee Academy was similar to my first time visiting another charter school. Both had moved into former church annexes. The room we met in was simple, but served to purpose of large group gatherings. Having the foresight to prepare the room so that it could be made into two separate rooms will allow the academy growth without too much expense in e immediate future. The CFO that spoke to our group shared their vision for their long term growth through their purchase of the ten acres close to their present site. Unfortunately, until the enrollment and funding increase, building for growth is going to be difficult. I think that increasing enrollment in the small facilities that the HS is housed in will make it difficult to recruit more students, thus limiting enrollment, thus limiting income for the school, and further delaying building. Yet, unless the school can build and increase the facility's space, where will they be able to place additional students beyond the expansion of the double size room. The CFO did well In the hiring of the current accountant, who together with his vision, understanding and experience with school funding, has helped to develop and "grow" the school to date.
All in all it was a great day. We got to see two amazing schools that were completely different but both had the same mission: to educate our children.
ReplyDeleteWhen looking at ECHS, I was amazed at the building and all that they had to offer. Roland was very knowledgeable about the whole building since he had the opportunity to be involved in the whole process from beginning to end. That had to be an awesome experience for him. I love the fact that they are making it like a mall feeling and having so much open space. I can remember my high school and we always referred to it as the dungeon. The whole time I kept thinking of the challenges that they still face because they literally moved in to the building last minute. Most of them are minor issues that the public would never know existed, but to the faculty and staff they might be major issues. For instance, Roland talked to us about the fire alarm going off because of some issues that they were having. So, I always think that a new building would be so great to be in, but at the same time they also face challenges, just not the same ones as an old building. I also was very impressed at what all was taking place that day. It’s obvious that the students there take pride in their school and what they do. Most students wouldn’t even think of getting out of bed on a Saturday to spend it at school. The culinary students did an amazing job preparing the food and serving us. Thanks Roland for setting that up.
When looking at Jubilee Academy, I was also amazed but in a different way. I never would have imagined a charter school being so nice. I have been in class with Israel for two years now and I have always heard him talk about Jubilee but never would I have imagined it being the way it was. You could tell that the teachers in the school take great pride in what they do, just by walking down the hallway. I looked in the windows of classrooms and they looked much more inviting than a public school classroom. It also amazes me at what they have done on such a tight budget. The presenter did a great job presenting on the Five Stages of Facilities Planning.