I enjoyed Paula Detwiller’s article on the new Galaxy Elementary School, and also the follow-up story on teacher LaDeshia Brooks, once a student at the old Galaxy school.
As one of the architects working on the project, from my perspective I have been amazed at the teamwork of all involved, starting with the Heart of Boynton Beach community group, which insisted that Galaxy deserved to remain a positive force in their neighborhood. Then it was the School District of Palm Beach County, which agreed to rebuild and, with the help of a low-interest federal stimulus loan, saw an opportunity to do something really special.
As the architects selected for the project, we realized additional funding would be required to make this Florida’s greenest school (targeting LEED platinum) and to support the unique E3 curriculum (energy, environment and engineering).
The main point of all this effort is to raise the children’s interest in science and math, and thereby performance.
Our fundraising effort fared very well; the private donations so far are much higher than the $20,000 reported. Our main donor, the Quantum Foundation, provided $750,000 for the interactive science exhibits, custom graphics, green roof and other items. However, there were nearly 20 other donors as well — individuals, businesses and foundations donated approximately $120,000.
In-kind donations were also significant, and included items such as solar panels contributed by FPL, and the reclaimed water line extension co-funded by the city of Boynton Beach for more environmentally responsible landscape irrigation. We expect to partner with the city on the restoration of a 4-acre pine scrub conservation area attached to the site as yet another teaching opportunity.
With all the support so far, there are still items on Galaxy’s wish list, so I encourage anyone to contact Galaxy Principal Ed Capitano to learn about opportunities for the continuing community-school partnership at this soon-to-be amazing school.
Thorn Grafton, AIA, LEED AP, Director of Sustainable Initiatives,
Zyscovich Architects
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