PHS addition a big step in right direction

PACKET EDITORIAL, Oct. 17

By: Packet Editorial
   The day, much to Charlotte Bialek’s relief, turned out to be bright and sunny. The touch-and-go certificate of occupancy, much to Judy Wilson’s delight, was in hand. The crowds, much to Ann Burns’ joy, were large — and, much to Gary Snyder’s comfort, orderly.
   The indefatigable organizer of Saturday’s daylong celebration on Walnut Lane, the superintendent of the Princeton Regional Schools, the president of the Princeton Education Foundation and the principal of Princeton High School were not the only ones who thoroughly enjoyed themselves Saturday. Hundreds upon hundreds of Princetonians (and Cranburians) spent the afternoon and evening visiting tables set up by community exhibitors, listening to speeches and a capella performances, playing powder-puff football, rocking and rolling to the battle of the bands, unfurling banners in the new PHS gymnasium and, to top it off, witnessing the grand opening of the high school’s glorious new performing arts center, Trego-Biancosino Hall.
   In between, they toured the sprawling addition to PHS — the science labs and greenhouse, the gym, the orchestra and choir rehearsal rooms, the "black box" theater, the new school store — and enjoyed performances by the combined elementary school choirs, the Westminster Choir College musical theater, the YWCA dance club and a host of other groups.
   And, as is customary in Princeton, everyone had an opinion — not all of them glowing.
   Some parents, students and community members groused that the outward appearance of the new space clashes with the traditional red brick exterior of the school. Others thought there wasn’t enough attention paid to the chronic parking problem around PHS and John Witherspoon Middle School. Some praised the state-of-the-art science labs; others described them as drab and colorless. Some considered the rehearsal and performance spaces opulent; others said the district furnished them "on the cheap." Some praised the acoustics in Trego-Biancosino Hall; others complained the seats were uncomfortable.
   A few said they expected a lot more for $81.3 million — the price tag of the Princeton Regional Schools’ bond referendum, approved in May 2001 — and wondered why the PEF needed to raise additional funds, through its "Take-A-Seat" campaign, to outfit the performing arts space. Well-briefed tour guides and school officials on hand were quick to remind them that the bonds approved in referendum financed not only the highly visible addition to PHS, but significant renovations and improvements to JW (including an indoor swimming pool) and the district’s four elementary schools.
   The true value of the PHS addition would perhaps be better illustrated by what the public didn’t see on Saturday — the rest of the school. Outdated and poorly equipped science labs; tiny, dilapidated rehearsal rooms; hallways, library space and conference rooms converted to makeshift classrooms; deteriorating walls and ceilings, some containing asbestos; crumbling pipes, vents and air ducts. It is the next phase of extensive renovations that will bring the original structure of PHS, built in 1929 (and last expanded in 1955), into the 21st century.
   In many ways, it is remarkable that Princeton High School has consistently remained among the top academic high schools in New Jersey — and the nation — despite its ever-declining physical condition. As we observed when we supported the bond referendum back in 2001, PHS students deserve better. They deserve facilities that enhance, rather than detract from, the learning experience. The addition unveiled Saturday dramatically improves the educational environment at PHS — and the renovations still to come will improve it even more. For this, school administrators, teachers, students, parents— and, yes, taxpayers — have good cause to celebrate.