Submitted by ERICK DIETRICH.
During my two years of high school education at Clover Park High School, I would never have imagined how special this place was for me. It is a large school that encompasses the Lakewood and Tacoma areas, thus serving thousands of students, especially those residing at the joint military bases nearby.
As a CPHS Warrior who had the pleasure to have met caring instructors and classmates alike, it is for me to say that CPHS, a 1984-era campus, saw considerable growth in the student population and needs an extreme makeover. Large does not necessarily mean better. CPHS’s large campus shows its entire age in every interior and exterior aspect. An effort coming from the community (students, alumni, and the CP school district) toward a comprehensive modernization plan might address the need for newer technologies and equipment to satisfy the needs of both teachers and students for better learning environments.
I urge our local leaders at the school district to make CPHS a modern place of learning for the new generations and staff alike.
I normally support all things education, however this building did not open until 1983. While technology has certainly advanced, the building itself is still relatively new.
Unfortunately, preventive maintenance programs often are the first to go during budget slashes. I have been told before by insiders, that it is often easier to ask for construction money, and less desirable to ask for maintenance money. Thus, my concern is that if monies are directed towards modernizing and up grading the building, will it be maintained?