Hi, this is a different writer this time! This is Olivier, you may know me as either the tech person with the charger everyone likes to borrow, or the living Tech Drive advert.
This is a very important milestone on the journey to a new school. I know I sound like one of those kickstarter campaigns that always says they are making a milestone. But, in truth we really did do something that doesn't happen every day. Even for those petitions with millions of signatures. They don't normally get 126 in under 2 days. That's something. We also reached a point where we can be sure of the future. If we got this much so quickly, then we got a strong base. I know I sound like a businessperson. I'm sorry. But honestly, 126 isn't something small. That's way more than there is in a normal class. Think of putting 126 people in the halls at once!
So, we've also gotten some complaints. I would like to address those complaints in this update.
1. People have been saying that we're asking for way too much. And to that, I agree. But, say when BSD is discussing, they'll try to step down what we're asking. So if we originally ask for more than we need, then BSD will lower it down and everyone will be happy.
2. "We don't need a new school! We're fine like we are''. Ok, this one frustrates me a bit. But everyone has their opinions so I have to respect that, just like I ask of all of you reading this. But, in your everyday life. Is it really that sufficient? Other schools around are being rebuilt, and they are in the same, or sometimes better, condition then we are in. This school was originally built before the events of World War II according to Mr. W Thomas. We have extreme heat in Mr. W Thomas's classroom along with leaking roofs, overfilled classes, overworked staff, parts of the wall coming off in A hall, along with a lot more problematic things. The school is simply too old. While it may have been attempted to disguise that with metal outside and things like that, those are already present in other schools. So I wouldn't call that much of an upgrade. Nor would I call the single beam replacement in the gym to be adequate for us. You can also look at the image at the end of this update for some more convincing evidence. I could go on for hours, but it certainly is something rather noticeable.
3. Funding. A lot of people think that BSD is the poorest and most helpless entity out there. That's not true. Over the past 5 years BSD has rebuilt many middle schools and high schools, such as: Tumwater MS, Mountainside HS, ACMA, etc. Have you seen the new ACMA pics? They're awesome and futuristic! If ISB could get a fraction of that nice I'd be amazed. BSD is pushing forward for stronger schools that won't collapse on your head, likely killing you. Also, the cost to maintain ISB is something to consider.
4. Uh, I just wanted to add this again, but we got the second worst facility ratings in the district. And we're in the critical need of replacement. So, whether you like it or not, we're on the list to be replaced. But, seeing how BSD prefers capacity over the score, this petition can be used to secure our petition. If we can get 3/4 of the school to sign, I know it sounds like a lot, then I'm pretty sure they'll consider this petition as something important. We may be on the news :)
5. Memories. Ok, this one I really can't argue much with. I'm so sorry for those of you in higher grades, such as 11th, for who have been in this school a long time. And this school is sentimental, right? But, all I can say is that this is for the greater good, ain't it? People coming to ISB in the future, they won't have to suffer what you did. They won't have to bear the conditions you did. It'll be better for the future. And isn't that what most humans do in the end? Make the world better for the future generations?
So as you've read this update. Please tell me what I could've done better. But also please bear in mind the fact that I wrote this in under 50 minutes, in one sitting.
Thanks for reading, I wish you all the best of luck in your tests and in life.