INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — When Osceola Magnet School moved to a new campus in June, it sparked concerns within the community that it wouldn’t be ready to meet the needs of students come the start of the new school year.
The reaction from School Board of Indian River County members, who toured the new location Aug. 7, shows confidence that Osceola Magnet School’s best days are still ahead.
Board members toured classrooms, the library, technology areas, art and music rooms, outdoor structures and the portable cafeteria. While on the visit, they had a chance to stop and talk with teachers and staff about the transition. After completing the tour of school grounds, District 5 school board member Claudia Jimenez said the school looks better than ever.
“I’m very excited to see the progress,” Jimenez said. “It’s obvious they have been working really hard for the new school year.”
The transformation of the new campus is amazing since board members last set eyes on it, she said.
“It looks much brighter and really clean,” Jimenez said. “When we last visited, when it was empty, it was pretty decrepit.”
For kindergarten teacher Donna Whiting, making the transition to a new campus meant preparing years of teaching materials for their new home.
“The move has actually been really good,” Whiting said. “I’ve become very efficient at packing and gathering boxes.”
Although the end is in sight, remaining tasks will keep her working right up to the first day, she said.
“I think it’ll be a bit stressful to have everything ready to greet our students but it will get done,” Whiting said.
The move also had a few unforeseen benefits, she said.
“Going through everything I’ve collected over the years has been good for me,” Whiting said. “I was able to eliminate some things.”
Principal Kathleen Goldstein said it has been a challenge but the school will be ready and waiting for students’ first day.
“We’ve come a long way,” Goldstein said. “The move brought out the best in people.”
Hard work and a stressful timetable led to long, hot days for school staff, she said.
“Each day we’re breathing a little bit easier,” Goldstein said. “We’re really excited to be at this point.”
Teachers, administrative and custodial staff went beyond expectations to make sure the school is ready to receive students Aug. 20, she said.
Former principal Susan Roberts was also on hand to show off the new campus.
“It’s a real positive change,” Roberts said. “I just can’t say enough about the teamwork that went into this transition.”
From hand-painted murals on the walls to new covered benches at the student drop-off and pickup area, all of the details are coming together, she said.
“We’ll be ready for them,” Roberts said.
