In today's society, technology and innovation are constantly developing, which is why schools have upgrades and renovations. Here at Potosi High School, over the past 10 years, we have made numerous building changes ranging from little updates to massive projects. I got the chance to sit down with Mr. Cohen and discuss all things updates, past, current, and future.
Mr. Cohen said, “The biggest upgrade is the area out here by the cafeteria, including the auditorium and the lunchroom remodel, all of which were things that had been done before I got here.” Ever since Mr. Cohen arrived here, there have been multiple upgrades, including the replacement of the floors in the middle school/high school area, the remodeling of the high school bathrooms, and the updating of appliances in the foods classroom. However, the most recent upgrades are the new driveway to the back of the school, the new landscaping in front of the elementary end, and the newest addition, the change of furniture in the cafeteria.
When asked about the process of getting upgrades passed through the board, Mr. Cohen explained, “What happens is there’s a conversation between a bunch of people: administration, Mr. Uppena, Mrs. Cooley, and myself. Then we get the board involved and talk about our plans. Next, we turn to Mr. Pierce [the maintenance director], and he goes out and gets bids for all the work, and once the board approves, Jamie is in charge and goes from there with the projects.” When asked how these upgrades will impact students, Mr. Cohen replied, “Hopefully for the positive. Beyond the students, it has helped our cleaners with some of the things they have to do, which has been a big part of it. But specifically, the auditorium change has been huge for the whole community, students included.”
Potosi High School has a pretty significant upgrade in the works that many hope will happen. The upgrade currently in the planning stage is a new elementary/middle school gym. Mr. Cohen didn’t say much about it, but he did say, “We’re hopeful because we are in the process of writing a grant from the federal government that would help pay for part of it. Without the grant we really can’t; it’s too big of a dollar amount for us to do on our own.” Mr. Cohen is hoping the grant comes through next summer, so they can start on the project.
Grant funds are a high priority when it comes to renovating. Here at Potosi, we have received numerous grants that have helped improved multiple areas, ranging from the shop to new technology in classrooms. Using the grant funds, we have switched to industrial machinery in the shop and replaced smartboards in all the classrooms. Even though filling out grants is a tedious process, in the end, it’s very beneficial to students and staff.
Potosi Schools’ administration is constantly trying to think of ways to improve the school. Having an administration that truly cares is very important and greatly benefits everyone involved in our school district.