Illustration by Carmen Casillas for U.P.O.H.
This illustration was drawn by a member of the United Parents of Highbridge to demonstrate a safer way of setting up the kitchen in C.E.S. 73. Earlier this month, U.P.O.H. learned that District 9 will pay to renovate the kitchen this summer.

Kitchen in CES 73 will be remodeled

By Denae Brewer
Editor in Chief

After an uphill fight, parents of children attending CES 73 have won an important battle; the school’s kitchen will be remodeled.

“We’ve got what we wanted,” said Ana Garcia, a member of the parent-organizing group, the United Parents of Highbridge (UPOH). “We are fighting for our children’s safety. There was no way we would give up.”

Each day, the children pass through the gauntlet of hot ovens and steam tables. Parents also complain that the kitchen floor is in disrepair. The tiles are broken and cracked causing an uneven trek. Daunting under the best of circumstances, mix in small children unsteadily carrying a tray of food and it is a disaster waiting to happen. In fact one did.

Last year, a girl’s back was burned while maneuvering through the maze, outraging several parents. “Why did it have to take a child getting hurt before anyone fixed this problem?” asked Josefina Davila, a lead organizer for UPOH “We hold the Division of Schools Facilities responsible for letting this go on for so long. They know the kitchen needs repairs. Why weren’t they done sooner?”

C.E.S 73’s Principal Linda Irrizary pointed out that these things take time. She said she has been meeting with the plant manager regarding the cafeteria repairs over the past year. She has also worked closely with the parents and is pleased with the outcome. “It is important for the community to see the school and parents working together to improve the education of our children.”

“This is a victory for everyone,” said District 9 Superintendent Dr. Stanley Mims. He said the cost for the redesign would be covered directly by the district instead of the Board of Education. “These changes needed to happen sooner rather than later. If we waited on the Board’s red tape, who knows how long this would take.”

The redesign is scheduled to take place during the summer when fewer children are in school. Dr. Mims assured parents that while under construction, summer breakfast and lunch would be served. Meals from an outside source will be provided. ”We have made every consideration that our children will benefit in this situation.”

Pleased by the imminent repairs, the parents remain cautious. “We won’t call it a victory until the work is actually completed,” said Ms. Davila. “Right now, we’re happy someone took our concerns seriously.”