Initially intended as temporary solutions due to rapid construction and lower costs, school portables have become a permanent fixture in many US schools. Initially designed to address the swelling student populations quickly, these portables are now long-term educational spaces with significant implications for students and educators who use them daily.
“There’s nothing more permanent than a temporary solution” aptly describes this situation.
fionamathews said:
“There’s nothing more permanent than a temporary solution” aptly describes this situation.
That quote perfectly captures the essence of this issue. It’s a poignant reflection of what’s happening.
fionamathews said:
“There’s nothing more permanent than a temporary solution” aptly describes this situation.
It’s like those ‘temporary’ taxes.
My old school couldn’t expand the main building, so they used six double-wide portables instead. They were extremely uncomfortable—hot in summer, cold in winter, and the acoustics were terrible. Plus, they leaked when it rained.
zane said:
@lucas
Why not just construct new permanent buildings instead of extending?
Constructing new buildings involves extensive time, money, planning, and negotiations with various stakeholders like city councils and school boards. New school buildings require adherence to stringent building codes which are costly and time-consuming. Also, construction disrupts school operations and poses safety risks. While these are being built, it could lead to increased energy use and potential environmental hazards, especially in older buildings that may contain hazardous materials like lead and asbestos. This also necessitates additional spending on safety inspections.
@sheldon
Moreover, if the new construction or remodel ties into existing structures, those must also be upgraded to current codes, adding further costs and complications.
MegWhitgal said:
@sheldon
Moreover, if the new construction or remodel ties into existing structures, those must also be upgraded to current codes, adding further costs and complications.
And if the building is a historic landmark, it requires specialized contractors to maintain the original appearance, which increases costs significantly.
@LyamGenesis
A historical school in my area was transformed into an apartment complex for seniors. It preserved the exterior but took years to complete.
zane said:
@lucas
Why not just construct new permanent buildings instead of extending?
In my gentrified city, there’s no space for new buildings—everything’s been developed. Real estate costs are sky-high, so the district prefers to allocate funds elsewhere, like on extravagant school facilities, rather than new buildings.
zane said:
@lucas
Why not just construct new permanent buildings instead of extending?
In my hometown, a new school building required citywide approval through a referendum, which is a common requirement that can delay construction.
zane said:
@lucas
Why not just construct new permanent buildings instead of extending?
Here, attempts to build new schools have been repeatedly vetoed. One existing building is even sinking, yet new construction is still not approved.
zane said:
@lucas
Why not just construct new permanent buildings instead of extending?
Raising property taxes might fund new buildings, but it’s not a popular solution.
zane said:
@lucas
Why not just construct new permanent buildings instead of extending?
Raising property taxes might fund new buildings, but it’s not a popular solution.
I’d rather my taxes fund education improvements than military actions abroad. Investing in education is crucial for our community’s future.
@Charlotte
Discussing tax misappropriation is beyond this post’s scope, but ideally, we’d overhaul the education system entirely—a daunting yet necessary task.
zane said:
@lucas
Why not just construct new permanent buildings instead of extending?
Raising property taxes might fund new buildings, but it’s not a popular solution.
Let’s not disregard the importance of funding education properly!
zane said:
@lucas
Why not just construct new permanent buildings instead of extending?
Raising property taxes might fund new buildings, but it’s not a popular solution.
If the concern is tax increase, starting with a straightforward objection might be more effective than roundabout complaints.
zane said:
@lucas
Why not just construct new permanent buildings instead of extending?
Raising property taxes might fund new buildings, but it’s not a popular solution.
A minor tax increase to improve educational facilities seems a reasonable trade-off for the well-being of our children.
@MarieraArteaga
Tax increases often start small but tend to grow over time. Perhaps cutting unnecessary programs could fund necessary improvements more efficiently.