Work begins on Bordewich-Bray addition

Cody Tucker, 10, remembers being in first grade at Bordewich-Bray Elementary School and having to brace against wintry storms to travel from his classroom to other buildings to attend music or go to the library.

"It was very annoying and not very fun," he said.

Cody joined classmates, teachers, school administrators and community leaders Thursday in a ceremony to begin construction on an addition to the school that will consolidate the five-building campus into one building.

"With the addition, it might make it easier for them to get to their studies on time," he said.

Superintendent Mary Pierczynski thanked the public for passing the $3.75 million tax-neutral bond in November's election to replace five modular buildings that were demolished because of toxic mold.

"I cannot tell you how great it is, as a superintendent, to work in this community," Pierczynski said. "This community got behind this bond and supported our children. We are so blessed to be here."

Third-grade teacher Nicole Medeiros sat with her three "honorary nieces" Faith Ann and Annji Hodorowicz and Ginny Mai Adams during the ceremony.

"This is a new beginning," she said. "It's nice to be here with the kids -- they're the reason this is all happening."

Following some changes in the design plan, construction began later than expected and will continue while school is in session.

But Principal Sue Keema is determined to move forward, even using the construction as an educational tool.

"It's exciting," she said. "I can't wait. We have classroom sets of construction hats, and they will be given tours of the construction. They'll be able to watch this process."

Teachers will also use the project as hands-on learning in subjects such as mathematics and writing.

Kirk Kinne was proud to see construction begin on the 70-year-old school. He attended the school then was its principal for 18 years before retiring in 2001.

"This is a continuation of a process that's been here for years and years," he said. "I still believe it is one of the finest schools around."

John McKenna, president of the school board, urged teachers, administrators and community members to rededicate themselves to education.

"Let them say this was the day education in Carson City got better," he said.