NORFOLK, Va. — Millions of dollars in improvements are on the table for Norfolk’s century-old Booker T. Washington High School. Wednesday night, school board officials heard that nearly $44 million is being spent to improve the facility.
However, that presentation came after heated public comment from a group of Booker T. alumni. The group packed school board chambers, with members saying they’ve been asking for improvements for years, but results have been limited.
“It hurts me to see my school depreciating,” said one meeting attendee.
The advocates wore t-shirts with the slogan “the legacy lives on.” Members said part of that legacy is pushing for improvements, but many said enough is enough. “Based on these conditions, we are requesting a new facility for Booker T. Washington be built,” said a representative. “This would address our concerns and also allow the legacy of Booker T. to continue into the 21st century.”
In previous years, there have been several completed projects at Booker T., including refinishing the gym floor, creating a student parking lot and replacing gym bleachers. However, no project from 2018-2023 cost more than $500,000. However, after public comment Wednesday, school officials heard about $44 million in repair projects for the high school, some of which are already in progress. Board member Carlos Clanton said the school system is working on making changes.
“I get it,” Clanton said. “So many times we’ve been told things and [they don’t] show up. But I think we have a commitment here that Booker T. Washington and all the students in Norfolk public schools get what they need.”
A new roof is currently in progress, which will cost an estimated $7.3 million. The HVAC system, expected to cost $14.9 million, will replace the old hardware which “did not supply fresh air due to the original design,” according to the presentation. Electrical system upgrades, changes to the bathrooms and safety improvements are also part of the full plan.
After the presentation, Clanton addressed the alumni group’s concerns, saying, “we’ve got to trust the process and work collaboratively together to ensure we get what we need for our students.”