As students reentered the building from winter break something felt off, not just felt off but looked off. While walking up the stairs students were realizing there were changes made that have affected us all. There were now cages, fences, whatever you want to call it wrapping the banisters of the stairs. We were informed that all of this was happening because they were not up to code, but we are all wondering: was this the best solution?
These superficial changes continue to happen, but the crucial issues are still being overlooked. With each new “update,” hopes for a new school become dimmer.
The truth is the updates that are being made to the school whether it’s painting over rust, covering cracks, or adding cosmetic features like a new turf football field are masking a much deeper problem: Brunswick High School isn’t just outdated, it is unsafe and inadequate for the growing number of students.
Brunswick High School has served its time for 65 years. It is the oldest school in Frederick County, and with the growing population it is more crucial than ever that we have a school that reflects the needs of updated education.
Instead of focusing on the aesthetics of our school, the safety and well being of our students and staff should be the priority.
It’s not enough to make these small fixes that don’t address the core issue: the building itself.
The structure is aging, classrooms are overcrowded, and essential systems are quickly starting to fail like water quality and plumbing, as well as flooring needing replaced and asbestos being removed from many surfaces within the building.
What students really need is a new school.
A new school to accommodate the growing population, foster a better learning environment, and ensure the safety of anyone and everyone that steps foot in this building. Brunswick Elementary was just built this past year and is already over capacity. Those students will need somewhere to go for high school.
Students and staff should no longer have to worry about the temporary fixes to outdated infrastructure. They deserve a school that prioritizes the future of our students, not just the appearance of the building.
It’s time for Brunswick students to feel like a priority, they can no longer afford the wait.
Now, a new unfortunate update has occurred. Brunswick High School has decided to paint these cage-like structures around the stairs, in order to make the school feel less like prison-like.
Brunswick High School’s Principal, Eric Schwarzenegger, reflects on the new structures featured on the stairs. “I was startled to see such a drastic change as soon as I walked in the building coming back from the break…”
While some of the student population may like the “jail time aesthetic,” there is a larger problem developing: the erasure of a new community trend.
On January 8th, students started to add locks onto the banister’s bars. It may seem like an ode of love or commitment like a lock on a bridge in Paris, but soon after they started appearing they were cut down the next day. Due to the painting of the structures along the banisters, these locks have to be removed (for an unknown amount of time). Administration may allow them after with the intent to share seniority or a positive message but not in protest of the fencing.
A Brunswick High School senior, Ashli Yamagata, comments on the stairs and their new additions. “I think that the stairs are more ugly than they already were. It’s funny that they added the bars to be safer, but you can still get your foot caught in between each stair. The addition of the locks is funny though… I laughed.”
Likewise, Mr. Schwarzenegger said that “… I’m not sure why they were put there. My first thought is that they were a romantic gesture, like you find on bridges. Or perhaps they were some form of protest against the style of the banister extensions. If that’s the case, I can certainly understand because, in my opinion, they are not aesthetically pleasing.”
While the color of the cages are less than impressive, why cancel a harmless trend that has just started?
No matter how strongly Frederick County Public Schools (FCPS) pushes the illusion that Brunswick is in progress of moving forward, it impressively continues to stay stuck in 1960—the year this school was built.
Mr. Schwarzenegger comments that “In terms of disciplinary action for putting locks on the banisters, it’s not likely, but possible. I would like to hear from students as to the purpose of the locks and we would need to make a determination from there… At the end of the day, I’m committed to meeting with and working with students if they have concerns and ideas to move forward.”
Many needs and scenarios need to be met for FCPS to allow ground to be broken on a new building for the community but it doesn’t keep students and staff wondering when that’ll happen. In the past few years meeting at the Board of Education, articles written about the debate have sparked curiosity within the community. The Gazette’s previous editor emeritus, Kylie Lancaster wrote an article about the rebuild issue last year and it found national attention to the debate.
Mr. Schwarzenegger shares more about the improvements that are being made to the school: “…The carpet in the band room was replaced over the winter break. The drama room carpet should be replaced later this school year, or possibly over the summer.” However, it should be known that there are no other projects related to upgrading the school, nor any advances toward a new school rebuild.
The age hold question still remains: when will a Brunswick rebuild happen?
Students: Feel free to comment below about any updates or concerns you have about the stairs!