Pro – Andy King

One cannot deny that the construction has created some disruptions, noise, and other inconveniences, but a project of this scope also takes time; it is not something that can or should be hastily completed. It will be worth it because, when this phase of construction is complete, the Upper School community will enjoy new and improved spaces for students and teachers, a safer, more sustainable and accessible facility, a more connected Upper School and a more integrated K-12 campus.

The focal point of the project is Raymond Hall. When the project is complete, Goodhue Memorial Hall and Raymond Hall will be connected on both the first floor and second floor. The first floor will be a covered, but open archway, allowing people to pass from building to building. This openness will also integrate the campus, revealing that there’s more to Hackley than just what appears on the Quad. The second floor will be an all-new space. No longer will Goodhue’s second floor end by G207, the second floor computer lab. Along this second floor corridor, there will be student meeting spaces as well as some faculty offices. Both the English and Math Departments will gain new department offices and move into several renovated classrooms. The Upper School Office will be expanded and reorganized, creating a more functional space. In addition, two new faculty apartments will be built on the third floor. The same geothermal cooling and heating system that keeps Goodhue temperate will regulate these renovated portions of Raymond. Imagine having a few more air-conditioned spaces during the very hot days we encounter in both fall and spring. And though it might not sound all that glamorous, a new staircase will be built on the Akin Common side of Raymond, giving people a safer exit from the building in the event of a fire. A new staircase, one that will be both functional and attractive, will also be built along the back of the hill that stands between Raymond Hall and Akin Common.

The hope is that the construction will conclude next summer and the new and improved Raymond will be ready for use in the fall of 2014. So while no one enjoys construction while it’s happening, the long-term benefits of the renovation outweigh the short-term discomfort and displacement caused by the project.

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Con – Jarrod Gerstein

As Hackley begins its renovation of the Upper School, a section of the preexisting Upper School will be closed off to students and teachers. This old section of the school was significant because it housed five Spanish classrooms, senior lockers, and connected Goodhue to the rest of the school.

The construction provides unnecessary challenges in navigating Hackley’s large campus, and forces students to deal with challenges beyond their already demanding education.

Spanish classrooms have been forced to relocate to the library, and other classes, such as health, have been moved all the way down to the gym. Because classes are being dispersed throughout Hackley’s campus, students are struggling to get to some classes on time. For example, a student could have chemistry on the first floor of the middle school, and immediately after have Spanish in the library.

There is no hallway currently providing direct access to Goodhue, forcing students to walk outside and around the construction. While not unpleasant during the warm and sunny months, it will be inconvenient and uncomfortable once the cold and snowy months come around.

A new circle had to be built to avoid traffic, but it is smaller and more congested than the old one; this has become a challenge for both parents picking up children and students themselves, many of whom are new drivers.

Additionally, the noise created by the construction can be very distracting, which ultimately can get in the way of one’s education. For instance, the jackhammering, which took place during the first two weeks of school could be heard through the closed windows of English classrooms and was distracting to the students and teachers.

Despite the obvious future benefits of the construction, it is currently an inconvenience for students and teachers, which has ultimately interfered with Hackley’s prestigious education. With school having started and with no end in sight, construction will not be worth it.