Just about any educator will tell you the physical quality of school buildings greatly impacts the quality of instruction children receive.

     Recognizing this fact, the Brookhaven School District board of trustees recently commissioned a study to look into the best approach for enhancing the district’s facilities.

     The study, prepared by a consulting firm, calls for structural, electrical and mechanical upgrades, as well as some physical office realignment. Taking the first step on structural needs, trustees voted Feb. 28 to allocate $1.5 million for roof repairs, which are expected to be done over the summer.

     Overall, the study applauds the quality of education provided in the city school district, but it also acknowledges that facility quality has not kept pace. In addition to recommending facility repairs, the report proposes several options for better utilizing existing facilities.

     Among the ideas sure to generate discussion is an option that would bring together central office functions at Brookhaven Elementary School. The current district office, near Brookhaven High School, is inadequate, and various school administrative roles are spread across the city.

     Under the proposal, BSD’s current three elementary schools would be consolidated into two, with Mamie Martin housing kindergarten through third grade and Lipsey handling fourth through sixth grades.

     District leaders insist the facility reorganization proposal is only one option in the report and that any moves are “down the line” after lengthy discussion.

     The public will certainly need to be involved as discussion of the various options takes shape in the months ahead. After all, with some options potentially costing into the millions of dollars, the support of local taxpayers will be key to the renovations becoming a reality.

     Public participation and support are vital to good educational programs. Yet in the school board election earlier this month, only about 10 percent of those eligible to participate came out to cast a vote.

     We encourage the public to be more involved as discussion continues on how to improve our school facilities.

     As the school board reviews available options, careful consideration by district leaders and trustees and input from the public will be instrumental in how renovation plans are carried out.

     And in the end, the children and community will be the beneficiaries of well-thought-out decisions on building improvements.