As middle and high school students entered completed sections of their respective buildings on Sept. 3, ordinary glances changed quickly to surprised grins. Major renovations to both Weber Middle School and Schreiber High School finished over the summer, accounted for the pleased expressions. These new and upgraded settings will not just enhance the educational experience for students, but permit activities which, in the past, could not be pursued.

For years, high school students had difficulty finding seats anywhere in a too-small cafeteria. Now, light pours into Schreiber's expanded cafeteria along a curved wall that consists almost entirely of windows. Previously, the fine work of student artists, often months in the making, could barely be displayed anywhere in the building. Today, the newly-created art exhibition area, with its vaulted ceilings and skylights, stands ready to serve as a bright, handsome and appropriate site for student art work.

Dr. Frank Banta, Schreiber High School principal, commented, "The residents of Port Washington recognize the importance of education. They also know that state-of-the-art facilities will prepare their children for future challenges. The new technology wing is one of the best examples of this."

Similarly, though still under construction, Weber students have a number of new, brighter and enlarged classrooms, and learning areas, new ramps, and new lifts for students with disabilities. The nurse's office is now a suite, and includes a handicapped-accessible bathroom. And in the next few weeks, the large, airy and updated computer laboratory will be ready to provide students with facilities and experience that are crucial to their education. Weber administration commented that "the positive impacts of the construction are evident to all staff and students." For eighth grader Eric Glasser, "The construction was needed because things were too crammed. The cafeteria is less cluttered and easier to walk through." He added that the second floor walkway is a great idea and he is surprised that no one thought of it before. As for the inconvenience, eighth grader Kerry-Lisbeth Dachowitz said, "It is my belief that although this work may interrupt some activities now, students will not regret administration's decision to begin this work. Just think of how much better equipped [we'll] all be once the work is completed."

Superintendent of Schools Geoffrey N. Gordon, Ed.D., recognized students, teachers, and staff who have so adroitly maintained the focus on education, despite difficulties and inconveniences. "I'm delighted to see these improved areas that will serve to support and enhance a PW education. However, I do share the frustrations of parents, students, faculty and staff, in facing construction delays and mistakes. I ask all of you to report construction problems to your building principal. Forms for doing so, made available from the first day of school, are still available in each main office. These issues will be promptly handled by the District Safety Committee, chaired by Eric Vonderhorst, and will be followed until resolved satisfactorily."

Despite construction problems, all of the necessary safety standards - such as fire alarms - were met prior to the opening of school, said Assistant Superintendent of Business Mary Callahan.

This enormous project is in great health, financially. Assistant Superintendent Callahan said construction thus far is under budget, with a solid contingency fund for changes and corrections. Actually, the fiscal situation was brightened even earlier, when the superintendent began in September 2002. At that time, with architectural plans already submitted to State Department of Education for approval and contracts/bidding in process or completed, Dr. Gordon personally intervened to expedite schedules and negotiate savings for taxpayers wherever possible. On the Schreiber and Weber construction alone, representing the Board of Education, Dr. Gordon reduced costs through firm negotiations by more than $300,000. Thus, the Port Washington schools and community have been able to receive "more bang for the buck," because of the board's, Dr. Gordon's, and the central Administration's extra efforts.

Construction and improvements will continue throughout the fall and beyond, as what was once a dream and a drawing are becoming impressive, education-promoting realities.