Completion of a much needed expansion of the East Elementary campus, new hires, and a solvent school district are things East Elementary Principal Nanda Wilbourn is thankful for as the new school year approaches.

In a time of state cut-backs where most schools are worrying about meeting payroll and laying off teachers, Brownwood ISD is, as Wilbourn put it, “blessed.”  Wilbourn stated that last spring as the news of state budget cuts were on everyone’s minds, she was asked how her campus could be breaking ground on a new wing.

“I want to commend our administration on how we watch our finances,” said Wilbourn.  “This year we have been able to hire two new teachers, build the new wing, replace the air conditioner in the old part of the school and buy new furniture and supplies.  I feel fortunate to work for a school district that is solvent.”

Inside the new wing of East Elementary, the classrooms are busy with teachers making preparations for a new school year.  The new wing with four classrooms is ready for the start of school, but East Elementary experienced some overcrowding at the beginning of the 2010-2011 school year.  Last year, East sent 13 Kindergarten students to Northwest Elementary Wilbourn said.  Woodland Heights also experienced some overflowing class numbers and had to send 14 first graders to Northwest as well.

This year, there is an additional kindergarten classroom and the possibility to add two additional classes if needed with the extra space, according to Wilbourn.  The new wing is energy efficient with motion sensors on classroom lights; when no one is in the room, the lights go out.  New cabinets were also built for efficient storage in the classrooms which also helps keep some wall space for the teachers to utilize.  There are three storage areas within the new wing as well.  A new roof and HVAC unit was also replaced on one of the older parts of the school.

“The best thing about the new wing, in my opinion, is the addition of a kindergarten class,” stated Wilbourn.   “Most of our classrooms have 20 students enrolled and some of the kindergarten and first grade classes are full.”

The two new teachers joining East are Susie Gibbs and Erica Negrete, both kindergarten teachers.  Gibbs is joining East as a first year Kindergarten teacher who will enjoy having a classroom in the new wing.  Gibbs stated that her classroom is already full with 22 students registered.

Waldrop Construction was awarded the construction project to build the new wing in December 2010 for a total cost of $944,353 for the addition to the school as well as technology upgrades.

Soon there will also be an addition to the playground as well through a $15,000 grant secured from KaBOOM!, Inc.  These grants are designed to serve as a challenge to potential donors and inspire civic groups, individuals and other businesses to join in and support local playground projects.  East will be having a community build for the playground on September 10th.  The playground will be built near the new wing and will be more age appropriate equipment for kindergarten and preschool students, according to Wilbourn.

Pictured above is the front view of the new wing at East Elementary.  Below are additional pictures of the interior.

Mrs. Gibbs classroom

Mrs. Gibbs organizing supplies

Tables and storage of a classroom

Storage and book room