By Sue Kiesewetter
Enquirer contributor

MIDDLETOWN - There will be several opportunities for Middletown residents to give their opinions on the look and design of the six new elementary schools that will be built over the next four to five years.

With the first groundbreaking expected a year from now, an executive decision team is being established to review recommendations from three other groups. Eventually, that team will advise the board of education, which makes the final decision. "This is the rebirth of Middletown through the schools," said Steed-Hammond-Paul Architect Todd Thackery.

Earlier this month, voters approved a $75.8 million bond issue that will fund the elementary phase of the district's master plan. Besides the new buildings, Verity Middle School will be converted to an elementary school and Amanda Elementary will be upgraded.

This week, Thackery outlined a process that includes community, staff and parental input on department, neighborhood and building design teams.

That's in addition to the comments already received through focus groups, surveys and other communications over the last several months. From those he identified nearly two dozen features important to residents that will be incorporated into the buildings. Amongst them were parent welcome centers in the schools, small spaces between classrooms for tutoring, nature trails and naturally lighted hallways.

"The idea is to get everybody's best design into the buildings," Thackery said.

Parent Vivian Washington said he wants to make sure Middletown residents and students are involved not only in the design of the building but also the construction, by hiring local firms. That, he says, will build pride and provide employment. "A key for me is getting community involvement," said Washington, who is a 1986 Middletown High School graduate. "I'd like to see the schools built by the community so one generation can say to the next, 'I built that.' "

The community will be updated on progress of the schools through a quarterly newsletter devoted to construction issues that will be mailed to every household in the city.

Board members will receive updates at least every six weeks.

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