Brunswick High School (BHS) is a place where students learn, participate in activities, and build friendships, but many students believe the school building itself needs significant improvements.
Building Concerns:
Several students described the building as outdated and in need of renovation.
Madison George, a sophomore, said the school is old… and noted that there are sometimes unpleasant smells and even concerns about rodents.
Tessa Stuart, a sophomore, expressed worries about the age of the building, mentioning concerns about lead paint and saying that parts of the school “don’t make sense” from a design perspective.
Temperature control is another common complaint.
Bridget Williams, another Brunswick sophomore, explained that classrooms and hallways are often either “really hot” or “too cold,” making it difficult for students to stay comfortable throughout the day. She also pointed out that some stairways feel too steep and that certain areas of the building have unpleasant odors.
Students also raised concerns about the school’s appearance. Many dislike the bright orange lockers, while others noted strange stains on walls and a lack of color throughout the building. Some students feel the school environment could be more welcoming and visually appealing.
The condition of student facilities was another major issue. Girls reported that some bathrooms are too small and lack privacy, with stall layouts that make students feel uncomfortable. Additionally, students mentioned that the sinks are outdated and require manual operation, making them less convenient than modern fixtures.
Academic Concerns:
Beyond the building itself, students expressed concerns about daily school life.
Several students said club meeting times can be inconvenient and difficult to fit into busy schedules. Others described academic expectations as stressful, saying that maintaining high performance can feel unfair and overwhelming.
The English 10 curriculum was another area of criticism. Some students believe the course lacks creativity and interesting reading material. According to students, even some teachers have expressed frustration with the books and curriculum requirements.
Students also suggested improvements for common areas. Requests included larger seating spaces during lunch periods, better break areas, and more comfortable bleachers at athletic events.
Many feel that upgraded seating would improve the overall student experience.
Brunswick High School offers a variety of school activities, clubs, sports, and educational opportunities that help students stay involved and connected with their community, but there is limited opportunity to let students participate whatsoever in these clubs throughout the year.
In the beginning of the school meetings with the grade levels the staff told the students to “make sure to participate in school activities or clubs,” which is ironic stating the fact that students have to pick between instructional time and tutoring opportunities.
If there is time it would be during instructional time so, what’s the point? While students appreciate these opportunities, many are involved in many clubs and honors societies, and take dual enrollment courses that limit their availability.
Many students hope future renovations and instructional improvements will address the building’s aging infrastructure and create a more comfortable environment for learning and opportunity.