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Students new and old attend Burroughs rededication

Messenger photos by Pat Donahue

Principal Stephen R. Holland (above) received plenty of help cutting the ribbon during the ceremony, held at the school.

Physical education teacher Joan Powers gave a helping hand to Nevaeh Moore, 5, as she navigated across the climbing wall in the updated gym, one of many improvements to John Burroughs Elementary School.

School board member Gary L. Baker II (left) chatted with local businessman and former John Burroughs Elementary School student Don McVey (right). McVey completed his education at Burroughs in 1941 and has seen a lot of changes to the area over the years. He was eager to see the school and its history saved rather than replaced.

On Sept. 28, Columbus City Schools celebrated the rededication of the historic Burroughs Elementary School, 551 Richardson Ave.  

This building, originally built in 1921, has been renovated and rewired with state-of-the-art technology as well as environmentally friendly and safety features. The $13.9 million renovation brought the facility up to date with 22 classrooms and a student capacity of 550. 

“Buildings like Burroughs are historically significant and remind people that school is a special place where important things happen...students at Burroughs are learning in an environment that allows them to focus on becoming highly educated, prepared for leadership and service, and empowered for success as a citizen in a global community,” said Gary Baker, II, CCS Board of Education member and Westside resident. 

This is part of the second segment of the Facilities Master Plan which has been financed through passage of a 2002 bond issue. In 2001, the Ohio School Facilities Commission (OSFC) assessed every school in the district and determined all schools need to be modernized.  

Accoording to the district’s Web site, 34 schools in segments one and two of the facilities master plan have, or will have been completed by December 2009.