The high school needs a revamp. The campus needs updates such as more accessible student parking, non-disgusting bathrooms, and more natural light. Both students and teachers experience small setbacks as a result of these architectural disadvantages. The bond’s goal is to diminish these disadvantages and create an improved learning environment. 

As the community has seen what the high school could possibly look like, there have been many different opinions. I have come to realize that many students are both looking forward to the bond, yet nervous about the negative impacts it will have. As major renovations would begin in 2026, many students worry about their upcoming years at the high school. 

The obvious positives that come along with the bond are the expansion of classroom sizes, more innovative study spaces similar to the learning commons, sufficient natural light, updated technology, and new spaces for extracurriculars such as Science Olympiad and Robotics. Additionally, the music corridor and Performing Arts Center will get a much-needed update. 

There are even ideas in the works to add versatile outdoor learning environments as part of the extension. Not only the high school, but the middle school and all three elementary schools will get all-new heating and cooling systems that are not only silent but designed to help students focus and improve their learning. In addition, there will be updates to mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems. These systems would help improve the comfort of students as well as health, air quality, and operational efficiency in every building. All of these new spaces in the high school would be designed to promote contemporary and engaging educational experiences. 

The bond can be very beneficial and I am supportive of the remodel. Unfortunately, it can take away many opportunities for students. As the rumor spread that the class of 2026 and below would be taking their classes in trailers, I started to grow worried about what my senior year might look like. 

As the bond’s construction starts, current sophomores and freshmen will be propelled into a different senior year than previously expected. Ever since our childhood years at Breton, Wealthy, and Lakeside Elementary, it is safe to say that we have all looked up to the seniors. The senior bench, parking lot, and bathrooms are all traditions that accompany being a senior. 

Knowing that we are finally grown up and that the bond can take away these opportunities, I am left curious about what to expect. Personally, I hope that I can still have a memorable senior year that I have always looked forward to.  

As the process of the build spans over six years, six different classes can possibly be thrown into a spiral. These effects must be taken into consideration. The administration has continued to lay out the impact on the students and the outcome it will have. 

Although it is true that resident’s taxes would not increase, the previous bond was set to expire which would cause taxes to go down. As 118.3 million dollars are thrown into the new bond, I am both curious and concerned about the cost. As inflation and housing costs increase, it makes it more and more difficult for families to pay high taxes. This could put financial stress on families in East. 

The building process of the bond can possibly turn things into a mess and create a noisy atmosphere. The construction can disrupt not only the students but the rest of the community.  

The bond does have to happen eventually, as the school is in need of many updates and modernization. Eventually, schools do need to be revamped in order to keep up with the changing of the modern world. In some ways, I am excited about the bond because the younger students at East will benefit in future years. Although it is a sacrifice for myself, my class, and younger classes, we all realize how the bond will benefit the younger students. I think that younger students may become even more successful in their education, as they receive the best resources and learning environment possible. 

Ultimately, I support the potential remodel. I am looking forward to the outcome of the bond, and what it can provide. In the end, the bond still would have a positive impact on the future students at East, but it will cost many current students the traditional East Grand Rapids High School experience.