As SoWashCo approaches another round of facility planning in 2023, I took some time to tour the schools. It is not unusual for me to tour private schools, but it IS unusual for me to tour public schools. The public is not normally allowed inside its own public school buildings – as odd as that may sound. I toured 8 schools across the district. I was surprised, and also not surprised, by what I learned.

Each building has its own story, its own history. The most welcoming schools were not necessarily the most modern or expensive. Buildings alone do not make good schools.

People do.

School Tours

Cottage Grove Elementary School : I began with CGES. The political messaging was a little distracting, but the building itself was clean and well kept. The staff was cordial, but for whatever reason it did not feel particularly inviting or friendly.

Liberty Ridge Elementary School : Built 8 years later, LRES is the exact same floor plan as CGES, yet it feels much more child-centered and warm. I appreciated the focus on academics within each classroom and across the school as a whole.

Newport Elementary School : You can tell a lot about a school when you go on a tour, including the sincerity of the staff. Every person I met at NES was optimistic and genuine, from the front desk to the kindergarten teacher and school principal. I was, and still am, interested in learning more about Title 1, so this was a very helpful tour.

Crestview Elementary School : My intent in touring was to listen and learn, and CES did not disappoint. The principal was very knowledgeable about the new ARC reading curriculum and world languages program of the past. I also learned about the culturally responsive teacher training with Dr. Becky Bailey which led me to understand better how the district intends to minimize the number of disciplinary incidents. Hmm.

Woodbury Middle School : What an interesting history this building has. At one time, when the district was much smaller, 3M leased out a portion (I believe that was in the 80’s). After the addition and remodel of 2002 and 2018, WMS now has this great space on the second level where hallways open up into the library. I love the warm friendly feeling of the space, however I do wish there were more books on the shelves.

Woodbury High School : My favorite part about WHS was the numerous quotes stenciled on every wall. I do wonder who decides which quotes are selected. It does not bring me joy to say that this was by far the most negative experience I have had on any school tour … ever. The staff was rude, disinterested, gossipy and well … inexcusably mean. I don’t need to go into any great detail, but a building renovation will not fix what is wrong with WHS.

East Ridge High School : ERHS is the No. 1 reason I pulled my son and daughter out of the public school system to begin with, and it wasn’t the building I had a problem with. It was the negative learning environment created by the principal and his office staff. I can see now that Inclusion Rooms are normal, as are the Safe Spaces. They are everywhere … which makes me wonder, is a space without the label “safe” considered unsafe? Hmmm.

Park Senior High : Again, I like the history. PHS was built in 1964 and has seen many renovations since then. If the Supt had allowed me to go on a normal tour like a normal person, I think my impression of Park would have been better than any of the other high schools. As it happens though, you cannot force trust, and forcing me to tour a school at 7:30am when the building is near empty only causes me further suspicion.