Central: A Bartlesville icon

From The Bruin, Volume 7, Number 46

Central Middle School has been an anchor in downtown Bartlesville for almost 100 years. Built in 1917, the historic building, which was the first junior high in the state, has seen its fair share of students pass through its doors over the years.

During its existence, the building has served the community in a variety of capacities. When it was first built, the school housed grades 7-9. Over the next several years an addition was added and the school continued to grow housing grades 7-12. For a short time, the school even housed two years of junior college in the 1930’s. In 1986, the school moved to its current configuration of a grade 6-8 middle school.

Throughout its history, Central has seen the downtown Bartlesville landscape evolve, but Central has remained an iconic building standing strong through times of change.

In speaking with former Bartlesville Board of Education President,Marta Manning and former Central Middle School Principal and current State Representative, Earl Sears, one thing is clear, Central holds a special place in the hearts of many throughout the community.

“Central is a historical part of downtown. It has meant so much to the town and the school district over the years,” commented Manning.

As is the case with any building approaching 100 years old, Central is in serious need of renovation to modernize the facility and bring it up to the standard of other school sites throughout the Bartlesville Public School District.

In 1993, as part of a $4.5 million of bond issue, Central received upgrades to heating and cooling systems. The roof was also replaced. Renovations were complete by 1995.

Despite the work done in the mid 1990’s, classrooms, the cafeteria and shared learning spaces received very little attention. In order to continue to allow Central to operate a school, work must be done to modernize the facility.

As part of the $36.72 million bond proposal set to go before voters on Tuesday, September 10, Central Middle School would see a much needed renovation. All parts of the building would see renovation including the cafeteria and classrooms. A gymnasium addition would also be added to the facility. The current gymnasium area in which is often referred to as the basement would be transformed into a unique space for the fine arts programs of Central.

The proposed renovations would allow Central to continue to serve the Bartlesville community as it has done so well in the past. Renovation costs at Central would total almost $12.2 million.

Representative Earl Sears stated “You cannot always simply throw out the old for the new. It is important that we recognize, celebrate and preserve our history. Central is the focal point of downtown. With renovation, it will have the opportunity to continue to meet the needs of the students of Bartlesville.”

Furthermore, despite its age Central, is very sound structure with great bones. The renovations would improve the school while maintaining its history and stately appearance.

In a community wide survey conducted in the spring of 2012, it was strongly conveyed that the community wants to keep Central as a school. The Long Range Facilities Planning Committee incorporated the feedback into its plan and thus arrived at the conclusion that Central must stay a school.

As it approaches the century mark, Central Middle School continues to stand tall as a pillar of downtown Bartlesville. As the downtown area sees a resurgence with renovated buildings and businesses opening, renovation to Central would allow the building to continue to flourish as a school and continue to be part of downtown Bartlesville.

Representative Sears commented, “Central is the pulse of the community and part of the heritage of downtown. Under this proposal Central would continue to thrive as a school.”

The bond vote will take place Tuesday, September 10. The proposal totals $36.72 million and would result in no tax increase.

All registered voters residing within the Bartlesville Public School District boundaries are eligible to vote.

If you are not yet registered, the deadline is Friday, August 16. More information on voter registration is available at http://www.ok.gov/elections/Voter_Registration/.

Floor board issues; bond would refinish classroom floors, ceilings, and walls, repair heat and air installed almost 20 years ago, and install electronic whiteboards

Plaster decay from age and water infiltration; bond would re-seal building with masonry point-and-tuck, new roof, and repair plaster walls and replace corridor tiles

Current entrance is not near the office; bond would relocate office to provide a secure and monitored entrance off Delaware