University Park Elementary--Building Improvements

[Anonymous]

I recently viewed University Park Elementary and I was wondering if there are any plans to improve the grounds, remove the trailers, and generally improve the appearance of the school. Right now, it is a dusty-looking little school.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I recently viewed University Park Elementary and I was wondering if there are any plans to improve the grounds, remove the trailers, and generally improve the appearance of the school. Right now, it is a dusty-looking little school.

PGCPS doesn't have the money, resources, or leisure to spend unnecessary money on tiny little neighborhood schools, such as what Montgomery or Howard County could do. If the school has trailers, then it’s a good bet that the school needs them. Last I checked, UPES was well-over its state-rated capacity. The new Hyattsville area elementary school will not alleviate this, as UPES boundary is unaffected. School appearance means very little, but it would be the only option considered, if need be. I attended Lewisdale Elementary School in Hyattsville, a few moons ago, and a while back the school district performed some overall visual building enhancements. But, if you’re expecting something akin to a complete renovation, not gonna happen. A building addition? That’s a possibility. That will be the only way the temp trailers will be removed… that or if the boundary is changed, which isn't very likely because UPES serve a very tight knit community.

[Anonymous]

I live in UP, and I guess I never thought of it as “a dusty-looking little school.” The playground equipment is new. The mural on the front of the school—a mosaic designed by the students just a few years ago—is gorgeous. The solar panels on the roof, installed last year, are great for a variety of reasons.… I guess the trailers, which many schools have, don’t bother me when I see the other positive things going on—inside and outside the school.

[Anonymous]

Yes, it seems that way. No need in asking.