During a recent school board meeting, parents and community members voiced urgent concerns regarding the deteriorating conditions of local schools, particularly Centennial High School and Bryant Woods Elementary.

One parent highlighted the overcrowded conditions at Centennial, where 33 students are crammed into a portable classroom, making it difficult for students to learn effectively. The speaker lamented that promised renovations have been repeatedly delayed, with completion dates now pushed to 2030 for Dunlugan Middle School and 2036 for Centennial High. This has left students in subpar learning environments for years, raising questions about the fairness of such conditions.

Catherine De Cristofaro, another parent, emphasized the need for infrastructure improvements at Centennial High to support modern educational practices and ensure safety. She pointed out issues such as inadequate emergency exits, poor lighting, and outdated facilities that pose health risks, including mold and poor air quality. De Cristofaro also raised concerns about the lack of accessible restrooms and the impact on students with disabilities, urging the board to prioritize renovations.

Vanessa Pantano, representing Bryant Woods Elementary, echoed these sentiments, detailing severe overcrowding at the school, which is currently operating at 128% capacity. She described ongoing issues such as leaking roofs and inadequate HVAC systems that compromise the learning environment. Pantano criticized the board for failing to plan for the increased student population following recent redistricting and the opening of new housing developments, calling for immediate capital budget allocations to address these pressing needs.

The testimonies reflect a growing frustration among parents regarding the lack of action on school renovations and the urgent need for investment in educational infrastructure to ensure safe and conducive learning environments for all students. The board faces mounting pressure to address these issues and prioritize the well-being of students in the community.