The Future of Baker High School

"THE LION'S DEN"

Updated on June 26, 2006

Email sent to Baker Lions on May 22, 2006

Dear Fellow Lions:

Being on the Columbus South, Inc Board and the Baker High Committee, I am forwarding this Ledger-Enquirer article, posted on Thursday, May 18, 2006 concerning Baker High to you so you may post your comments online to show your support of revitalizing instead of demolishing Baker:

"Baker may get second chance! Reggie Richards heard what she wanted to hear. Baker High can be saved and possibly be a school again."

Click on the link for the full article, it will be available on the Web only for a limited time (or read it below).

POST YOUR COMMENT AT THE BOTTOM OF THE ARTICLE NOW... LET COLUMBUS KNOW THAT THE BAKER LIONS WILL ROAR FOREVER!!!

http://www.ledger-enquirer.com/mld/ledgerenquirer/news/local/14605359.htm

Please be sure to visit Baker's website, http://baker.hs.org to make sure your contact info is up to date. Tell ALL fellow Lions, Faculty and Staff to get registered for a FREE account on the Baker website because we need to get the support of everyone to let the Muscogee County School Board know that we want our alma mater revitalized, not destroyed!

Keep on Roarin',
Sylvia Head, '79
Columbus, GA 31903
Webslave to http://baker.hs.org
SylviaHead@hotmail.com
www.sylviahead.com
Once a Lion, Always a Lion at Heart!

Posted on Friday, May. 19, 2006 in the Columbus Ledger-Enquirer

Baker idea worth a look

The prospect of a newly renovated Baker High School again serving the people of South Columbus is intriguing, even exciting.

But... there are a couple of pretty big buts here.

After an extensive survey of the decaying buildings on the old campus, the experts say it would be cheaper to do the extensive renovations needed than to raze the campus and build a new one. It would cost a shade over $17 million for renovations, considerably less than the $21.5 million tearing down and building anew would cost.

But...

"There is no funding available at this time and no plans to build anything in that area," said Muscogee School Superintendent John Phillips.

So far, the only funding that's been put into the building was for a study to see if it's feasible. The report from that study came back positive and was presented this week by the Rev. Allen Page III, chairman of the committee looking into it.

The report outlined the potential savings mentioned earlier and recommended that the side be considered for an elementary, middle or magnet school.

But...

"Right now, we have no local, federal or state funds," Phillips reminded us.

Phillips is right, of course. That kind of money isn't sitting around school district coffers just waiting for an innovative idea to strike.

But... allow us to add our own "but" here.

With the influx of soldiers and military families expected over the next few years, the school district is expected to be swamped with new students. And state and local officials are lobbying the federal government heavily to pitch in and help with the considerable cost of handling the newcomers.

If there is a need for the Baker building, especially considering its proximity to Fort Benning, and if federal funding becomes available, then the Baker project could be an ideal way to address part of the expected crowding.

That said, the group studying the Baker project should try to secure the building and make the necessary light repairs (such as sealing a leaky roof) that would prevent further damage in the interim.

If the federal funds come through, then maybe the district could bring back to life a campus that was once a centerpiece in South Columbus. If not, then we'll look elsewhere. But it's too good an idea not to pursue.

Posted on Thursday, May. 18, 2006 in the Columbus Ledger-Enquirer

Baker may get second chance

Committee decides renovations can be made to high school

BY LARRY GIERER

Staff Writer

Reggie Richards heard what she wanted to hear.

Baker High can be saved and possibly be a school again.

"It's just what we thought," said the former Baker student. "The main structure is solid. Baker can once again be the focal point of the south Columbus community. We always knew Baker was worth saving."

On June 5, Richards takes over as executive director of Columbus South Inc., replacing interim director Bob Hydrick. At a meeting Wednesday afternoon, the results of a feasibility study for the renovations of Baker commissioned by the nonprofit corporation and conducted by 2WR/Andras Architects of Columbus was presented to members of the group by Baker committee chairman, the Rev. Allen Page III.

"It is our opinion," reads the summary conclusion, "that renovations to the historic buildings at Baker High School can be accomplished for less than the cost of building a new, equally sound school with the same amenities."

The report went on to say that if renovated, the 104,271-square-foot building -- first opened in 1943 and closed in 1999 -- "should function as an elementary, middle or magnet school."

But not a high school because of the lack of space for high school parking and sports fields.

It was recommended that the gymnasium, cafeteria and one classroom building be demolished and replaced.

Some of the other points brought out were that in the renovation, an elevator will be needed as will new electrical, mechanical and plumbing systems. New ceilings will be needed and asbestos removed.

Suggestions

The Baker committee was especially interested in the possibility of Baker becoming an arts magnet, a suggestion that Columbus Mayor Bob Poydasheff said Wednesday that "he fully endorsed."

As to that idea, the report reads: "This is an exciting and viable option. The existing classrooms are sized to meet current GDOE (Georgia Department of Education) academic classroom requirements. The lab facilities are sized to allow for computer labs and dirty arts programs (such as painting and pottery). The existing music building provides the necessary space for band and choir while the auditorium provides the necessary support for theatrical and musical performance."

"The auditorium seats 1,300," Richards said. "We could have wonderful shows."

The report projects that the total cost with the new facilities would come to $17,121,782.33, several million dollars less than the $21,563,497.92 projected as the probable cost for the demolition of Baker and the construction of a new school.

The report will now go to the Muscogee School Board, which owns the property -- "As soon as we can get it to them," chairman Karl Douglass said. "Maybe tonight."

He emphasized that what will happen with Baker is still the decision of the school district.

Reached after the meeting, school district Superintendent John Phillips had some sobering words.

"I'm glad that the report shows some potential to benefit the community," said Phillips, who is seeking federal funding for school construction to accommodate an increase of school age children because of the anticipated BRAC growth at Fort Benning. "There is no funding available at this time and no plans to build anything in that area."

"Right now," Phillips said, "we have no local, federal or state funds."

The present SPLOST doesn't expire until 2009 and he suggested that a new SPLOST at that time could possibly provide needed funds if the school board goes along with the committee's plans.

"We do need to do some work to the building now," Page said. "For example, we need to do some sealing on the roof so more water damage is not done."

Owen Ditchfield is a former member of the Muscogee County School Board and a member of the Columbus South Board. "I think a magnet school would bring a lot of people into south Columbus and they could see what we have here," he said.

"It's a win-win situation," Poydasheff said of the school idea. Columbus South was established to implement the plan developed by his Columbus South Revitalization Task Force.

Referring to the progress being made in the area with new housing being constructed and several businesses locating there, Poydasheff said of Baker, "this could be the capstone."

Contact Larry Gierer at (706) 571-8581 or lgierer@ledger-enquirer.com

Comments (Updated on June 26, 2006)

As a graduate of Baker High School, Class of 1987, I am happy to hear that the possibility exists to see my alma matter re-opened for students. Baker High School has been at the center of the South Columbus community for years. It created a sense of pride in the community and produced some outstanding citizens in the Columbus area.

Posted by: Peter Bagarella, BHS '87
5/18/2006 9:19 AM

I am a former high school student of Baker High and had a wonderful time being there. We were the No. 1 football team for several years. I hope the school can be restored and used as the school system deems necessary.

Posted by: Unknown
5/18/2006 5:25 PM

I'm a 1987 graduate of Baker High School, I'm currently living in North Carolina and building a home in South Columbus, Ga. I haven't lived in Georgia since my departure in 1987. During my visits I noticed the disparities between the North and South Columbus areas in an economic arena.The North is flourishing with new business and developments that are helpful to that community but the South is falling further behind due to the lack of new business and developments that are helpful to revitalizing the South. The future will bring a larger population to Columbus and North Columbus will spill over if the City doesn't act in a positive manner because all tax payers and voters desire and demand a wonderful place to live and develop their families. The Baker High School discussion is a positive step in the right direction for our future.

Posted by: Stanley Dixon, BHS '87
5/19/2006 10:04 AM

If only wall could talk! What a wonderful tribute I believe Baker High School would proudly boast of the individuals who have walked those halls. Many of gone on to be solid citizens of many communities. Many died in foreign wars serving in a way that they and others found to be nobel. I, for one, would be happy to see that heritage honored and not torn down and forgotten.

Posted by: Linda Luster Strickland, BHS '68
5/20/2006 9:20 PM

It was January of 1970 and my parents took me to visit all of the high schools in Columbus. I chose Baker because the people there understood what it meant to move from place to place, to lose friends and meet new people all of your life. They also understood that I was proud of my career Army dad. Baker was a unique blend of individuals who were encouraged to belong, but to be themselves. I am thrilled at the possibility that Baker will be saved!

Posted by: Kathleen Malone Hargis, BHS '72
5/20/2006 9:49 PM

I attended Baker before it was a high school..in the 1st grade with Ms McKnight. When my Dad returned to Ft Benning later in my life, I attended Baker High and had the same room for homeroom as I had for my 1st grade class..the desks had been changed but the blackboards were still at 1st grade height! Go Lions!!

Posted by: Skeeter Haag, BHS '62
5/20/2006 9:53 PM

Columbus, Georgia has done a great job at maintaining a unique identity. Baker High School like Columbus High School and Jordan, are flagships of that identity and representative of a strong past. I would hate to see this area homogenized out of memory and history.

Posted by: Sarah, BHS '80
5/20/2006 10:03 PM

Baker High holds so many memories and was a great school, and the building is historic. If there is a way to refurbish it as a school, that would be so wonderful! It could help revitalize the whole neighborhood - the construction even bringing much needed employment to the area!

Posted by: Charli Boothe, BHS '60
5/20/2006 10:31 PM

Baker High was a great school and served well for all the military kids- a sense of belonging in a world of many moves and challenges those moves bring. I would hate to see the school torn down if it can indeed be utilized to serve as a magnet school.

Posted by: Betsy Everhart Melton, BHS '72
5/20/2006 10:36 PM

Baker is a school with a great tradition of academic excellence and should be renovated and retained to serve the future students in Columbus. A review of the achievements of our graduates will show how significant the contribution of the Baker community has been.

Please consider the "Baker Family" as a resource for funding the new school facilities. I will certainly contribute. I live in Athens, Alabama but still hold very close ties to the school from which I graduated in 1964.

Posted by: Dr. Wayne Reynolds, BHS '64
5/20/2006 11:15 PM

I'm a Baker High graduate of 1990. Baker was a great school. I wouldn't have changed the school I went to at all. I think turning it into a arts magnet would be an excellent idea. I don't think by destroying the school would be cost effective and good for the community. I think by turning it into a arts magnet may help build up the community and give it a gift of life. Give those kids who are coming into Fort Benning soon, something to look forward to. Please don't destroy my old alma mater. It still have some life in it. Give it a chance to do good again. I'd love to see the "ole' boy" with a new face lift. There should be a major opening for the school and let some of the old classes christian it. Thanks!

Posted by: Charo B. "Tina" (Austin) Agee, BHS '90
5/21/2006 2:24 AM

I graduated from Baker High School in 1987 and after travelling the world extensively, I settled in the Los Angeles area of California. I still think fondly of my days at Baker. I finished college with a BA in Theater and I always thought the auditorium there had potential for so much more. Bringing a variety of performing and visual arts would be a huge benefit for the South Columbus area. I remember an article years ago in the Ledger-Enquirer and the main thing I remember is that it is important to educate the heart as well as the mind and that is where the arts come in. It's too bad the athletic fields have been sold off, but I'm sure what remains is still very viable.

Sincerely,
James Tinnie
Class of '87!
GO LIONS!!!

Posted by: James Tinnie, BHS '87
5/21/2006 4:29 AM

I'm Baker High graduate in 1961, Agreat school that served all military kids. Why destroy the school, give a chance for other kids to have their school memories.

Posted by: Jose Cardona, BHS '61
5/21/2006 8:27 AM

Pls save Baker High. It has great tradition & there is so much need for education.

Posted by: Lauri Fellenz Dubia, BHS '70
5/21/2006 8:51 AM

As a 77 graduate of Baker High its sad to see a school that shaped so many lives sit in disrepair. With the expected growth in the Columbus and FT Benning area and the need to breath life back into South Columbus, how can the Muskogee County School Board not afford to once again use the great old building as a school, and keep the name. The building has such a great history, and its probably better constructed than any building built today.

Posted by: TJ Stafford, BHS '77
5/21/2006 3:21 PM

I'm so glad to hear positive things about Baker becoming a viable school again.

I was in Columbus for the first time since 1964 in February of this year. I drove by Baker and was sad to see the condition it is in---but at least it was still standing. I was rather shocked to see how run down the old entry to Ft Benning is--and the vacant apartment buildings that are being allowed to deteriorate are a real eye sore.

Posted by: Wilma Council Teague, Faculty 1964-65
5/21/2006 6:00 PM

It would be a shame to see such a wonderful historical school go to waste. I believe there is strong potential for Baker and it should continue to educate children now and future generations to come. (Class of 1974)

Posted by: Aura Blanco, BHS '74
5/21/2006 6:27 PM

i love loft-life and would to see bhs turned into a residence, theaters, publix super market. please keep this building! i'm retiring and want to live in columbus again on the south side (smile!). seriously, it would be such a waste to let that building go, too many memories.

Posted by: matt@madeleinedavis.net, BHS '70
5/22/2006 8:16 AM

BHS would make a great loft. This would be a plus for the City of Columbus & Ft. Benning. With the close proximity to Ft. Benning, a lot of soliders would prefer a nice place to live off base.

Posted by:
5/22/2006 8:23 AM

With its historical role, the opportunity to help in the rebuilding of a part of the city in dire need of rebuilding, the part BHS plays in bringing so many of us back either permanently or periodically to Columbus, why would you tear it down. It is a part of the history of Columbus and to Ft. Benning. Its value to the community as a school should not be overlooked.

Posted by: Anne Heape McKillips, BHS '65
5/22/2006 8:26 AM

As a Baker graduate it would be a wonderful sentimental gesture to renovate. But, speaking from a logical financial view it would appear to be more cost effective to build a new structure. Especially if is only 4,000,000,00 more.

Posted by: Jack L. Green(e), BHS '56
5/22/2006 10:09 AM

I HAVE FELT FOR YEARS BAKER HIGH SCHOOL WITH PROPER PLANNING COULD BE A GREAT HIGH SCHOOL AGAIN. I HAVE BEEN IN REAL ESTATE FOR 34 YEARS. YOU CAN RENOVATE THE OLD SCHOOL AND HAVE IT OPENED MUCH QUICKER THAN BUYING LAND AND BUILDING A NEW BUILDING AT TODAY'S COST. JIMMY PAYNE-CLASS OF 64-I STILL LOVE THE 5 YEARS AND THE FRIENDS MADE WHILE GOING TO BAKER.

Posted by: JIMMY PAYNE, BHS '64
5/22/2006 10:25 AM

BAKER SUCKS. It would be a great place to live minus getting raped, robbed, or killed.

Posted by: Lew Bfield, Not Registered in BHS Database!
5/22/2006 12:13 PM

The time has come for innovative strategic planning concerning Baker High School. The perspective of utilizying Baker High as a magnet or middle school is a great innovative idea for the South Columbus community.
1. The South Columbus Area needs a middle school.

2. Utilizing Baker as an additional school will help meet the demand (in response to the influx of military personnel arriving at Fort Benning.)
3. Education is important therefore we must preserve our resources as much as possible; utilize Baker as it was intended as a media for education.

Posted by: Jacqueline Harris, BHS '78
5/22/2006 12:17 PM

As a 1984 Baker graduate and an active duty Army soldier with 21 years of service, I would like to see Baker reopened. I think it would be a step in the right direction when considering the moves the BRAC has made. The soldiers at Ft. Benning deserve a safe and appealing community outside the gates without having to travel all the way across town. Why not make Baker the center point for the future of South Columbus while maintaining the roots of the past. Like Mayor Poydasheff said, "It's a win-win situation."

Posted by: Jimmy Harris, BHS '84
5/22/2006 12:30 PM

I think Baker should be used as a Y.M.C.A or Y.W.C.A. or both. I can say it saved some of us from living a life without a Collage Education.

Posted by: Carlton Garner, BHS '54
5/22/2006 3:23 PM

IT TAKES LOTS' OF PEOPLE TO KEEP AN AREA FROM JUST GOING TO THE DOGS. SOUTH COLUMBUS CAN AND SHOULD BE A VITAL PART OF THE ENTIRE MUSCOGEE COUNTY AREA.

I FELT FOR YEARS, IF NOTHING ELSE, TAKE BAKER HIGH SCHOOL INTO A TECHNICAL SCHOOL FOR TEACHING EITHER STUDENTS THAT ARE NOT GOING TO COLLEGE, AND DROP-OUTS TO BECOME GOOD CARPENTERS, ELECTRICANS, TILE SETTERS, PLUMBERS, HVAC AND MANY OTHER NEEDED SKILLS IN COLUMBUS AND OTHER AREAS. I DO FEEL YOU WOULD HAVE TO LOOK AT TAKING RULES AND CHANGING THEM TO FIT THE CIRCUMSTANCES. THIS BEING THAT MANY OF THE BEST TILE SETTERS ARE NOT COLLEGE GRADUATES, BUT THEY CAN TEACH STUDENTS HOW TO DO THE WORK.

Posted by: James C. Payne, BHS '64
5/22/2006 6:50 PM

An arts magnet school in the South may very well revitalize the whole area. It is apparently a very well constructed building if it cannot be replaced for the same dollars. I say use it for a great magnet school.

Posted by: Jean Crittenden Morris, BHS '46
5/22/2006 7:23 PM

It is time to stop destroying the solid values and buildings of the past and make them the groundwork for the future. Saving Baker will definitely be a step in the right direction.

Posted by: Martha Gunn Mulinix, BHS '67
5/22/2006 10:01 PM

Great idea, plus a cost savings to the city of Columbus. Class 1976. GO BAKER!

Posted by: Junior Ortiz, Hampton, GA, BHS '76
5/23/2006 7:35 AM

It would be a terrible waste to demolish a building that could be renovated for less than it would take to build a new one. The economics are real simple, spend less money and not only get what is needed, but save a historical structure at the same time. In this case less is more. Save the "Lion's Den"!

Posted by: Wayne R. Brossett, BHS '64
5/23/2006 5:43 PM

South Columbus needs and deserves revitatlization. Renovating Baker High School to newer and better heights could be the beginning of making the entire city of Columbus a great place to visit and live. I have great memories of Baker High School and I wholeheartedly support its revitalization. Even more so, I support the continual development of both North AND South Columbus.

Posted by: Yonita Rowell, BHS '86
5/31/2006 7:46 AM

I strongly support revitalizing the South Columbus area. The historical preservation of the building is not only cost saving it would bring a breath of fresh air. The idea of an arts magnet school would be a great thing. I might add not only preserving the building but, the name "Baker" would be equally important. I have great memories during the years I attended.

Posted by: Veronica Reynolds, BHS '71 6/9/2006 11:20 AM

April 12, 2005

Dear Fellow Lions:

An organization formed by Mayor Bob Poydasheff, Columbus South, Inc., has been busy getting organized and forming committees to address the initial three strategies of the 27 that came from the Columbus South Revitalization Task Force. The three chosen for this first effort were ones dealing with the future of old Baker High School, supporting literacy, and improving the image of South Columbus.

Reverend Allen Page, Chairperson, is preparing a request for proposal (RFP) to solicit bids for a feasibility study of the property (15 acres). The three possibilities that will be considered are:

1. Renovation and proposed reuse of the entire physical campus;

2. Demolition of part of the campus and renovation of the rest, or

3. Demolition of the entire building.

In each case, the possible new uses would be recommended. This committee is being assisted by the city Purchasing Department and is using Debbie Ellison, a professional grant writer, to search for funds to pay for the study. A request was sent to the Muscogee County School Board to do the feasibility study since they are the rightful owners.

I am on the board of Columbus South, Inc and on the Baker High Committee. If you have any feedback concerning this issue then email me so I may share it at the next Baker High Committee Meeting. Now is the time to share your comments!

Let me hear from you,

Sylvia Head, '79
Webslave to http://baker.hs.org
SylviaHead@hotmail.com
www.sylviahead.com
Once a Lion, Always a Lion at Heart!

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