21st Century Renovation
Western High School Will Become a 21st Century School
Since our founding, the Foundation has sought ways to help upgrade the Western High School building on Falls Road. We applaud Principal White’s incredible leadership in keeping the interior clean and gleaming. The Foundation has worked to install a bright banner, replace the completely faded pole banners and upgrade our green front campus – a distinctive, unique asset of our Dear Western.
Yet, the needs are still daunting!
The exterior windows are in desperate need of upgrade, the pool needs refurbishment and the greenhouse we all loved had been removed due to disrepair. Just when environmental careers and environmental majors are surging in Maryland colleges and universities! Not to mention upgrades in bathrooms and water fountains.
How overjoyed we were to learn that Western and Poly are next for the 21st Century School Buildings Program slated to begin in 2+ years!
What is the 21st Century School Buildings Program?
- Build future-focused, adaptable, sustainable and high-quality schools that inspire learning and support the educational success of Baltimore City Public Schools students
- Design schools that allow for recreational opportunities for the community, combined with other cooperative uses and school partnership programs
- Manage the costs of school facility operations by implementing improved facilities maintenance operations
- Execute a cost-effective and timely school design and construction program, integrating local hiring and student-based learning opportunities
- Be good stewards of Maryland taxpayer dollars and champions for education, economic development and neighborhood revitalization in the City of Baltimore
What Will be the Foundation’s Role?
The transformation of Western’s building will be enormously consequential to our mission of strengthening our school’s reputation and ascendancy! The Foundation was very engaged in the feasibility process, weighing in on Western’s prominent presence on Falls Road AND emphasizing building aspects which are uniquely important to alumnae and future Western generations.
Western High School Foundation will continue to be engaged in the process and ensuring the renovation/relocation years are a positive experience for students and faculty. It will be a challenge, but the results will be hugely positive for Western’s future. We intend to maximize the new school to attract talented middle-school students, boost current students and engage communities surrounding Western’s campus.