Patrons enjoy look at striking new energy-efficient elementary
By JASON WOODS Voice writer

MARVELING AT DESIGN JASON WOODS PHOTO Bryant School Board president David Passmore thanks patrons for helping district build innovative, energy-efficient elementary buildoing. Classes in the new building began Monday.

Hurricane Creek Elementary School on Alcoa Road opened as the first ecofriendly elementary in Arkansas on Monday.

A "green school," Hurricane Creek becomes the second Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certified school in Arkansas, say Benton School District officials. Bryant's Bethel Middle School was the first.

Space in Bryant schools is a problem as the district's population swells. "We were overcrowded," said Principal Wanda Beggs at Sunday's ribbon cutting and open house. "We had 1,200 students in Bryant Elementary School. It was just too many," she said.

Hurricane Creek has more than 72,000 square feet, and can serve up to 635 students. It brings much-needed breathing room to the overcrowded school district, Beggs said.

The school's design allows it to rely heavily on natural light. Though the project cost $10.4 million, reduced maintenance and energy costs save the school $65,780 and $24,280 a year respectively. The design is overall expected to save the community $8.5 million over the building's expected 50- year lifespan.

Bryant patrons approved the millage increase to fund the project in 2003. In subsequent months, state Sen. Shane Broadway accompanied Dr. Richard Abernathy, Bryant school superintendent, to Austin, Texas searching for ideas for new schools in development.

The two visited J.J. Pickle Elementary School, and were intrigued by the design.

After discussing the options, as well as the various hurdles and potential obstacles, the idea to steer the Bryant district toward environmental friendliness was born.

Hurricane Creek Elementary School came into existence this year, borrowing space from Bryant High School and Bryant Elementary School.

A few hundred parents, students, and patrons attended. Broadway spoke about the long road to realize the completion of the school, calling it a unique result partnership of two cities, Benton and Bryant. The school is in the Benton city limits.

"Not only will it save the environment," said Broadway, "it will save you and [me], the taxpayers, a lot of money."

Also speaking were Rep. Janet Johnson and David Passmore, school-board president. "We're excited about the what's going to hap- happen in the next few years in this building, especially for your students," said Passmore.

Beggs read a letter from former President Bill Clinton, sharing his remarks on the new school.

Via the letter, Clinton instructed the students to study hard and prepare for the time when they will be the leaders and thinkers of tomorrow.

As classes began Monday, the school's enrollment is 588. The school has a support staff of more than 40, and 24 classroom teachers.

Students and teachers come from three schools - Bryant Elementary, Collegeville Elemengrand tary and Salem Elementary. "At the end of last year, all of our teachers were given a choice of where to teach, to list their three choices," said Beggs. "I'm happy to say all of our teachers put Hurricane Creek as their top choice."

Beggs said Hurricane Creek was an architect's dream. "It takes my breath away."