Kings to renovate media center into 21st century learning commons

Contact this contributing writer at lisa.knodel@gmail.com.

This summer the Kings High School Bradford Media Center will be transformed into a 21st century learning commons for use by high school and junior high school students and staff.

“We want to create a space that is comfortable and will meet the needs of our teachers and students moving into the future. Our space will create areas for creativity, cooperative learning and problem solving,” said Kings Local School District Superintendent Tim Ackermann.

Ackermann said the function of media centers has changed: now they should be “comfortable spaces where students and adults can collaborate, problem solve together and be creative.”

The new Bradford Learning Commons will offer spaces for small and large breakout groups and areas for student collaboration. All breakout rooms will be equipped with technology, as well as flexible seating and tables, which will allow students and staff to collaborate on projects. Bookshelves will be placed around the center to house a collection of the most popular books, as well as access to the online catalog of digital titles.

“We will have a Maker Space, two large break out rooms, two small breakout rooms and open areas with comfortable seating that will allow students and staff to work cooperatively. The break out rooms will have floor-to ceiling white boards and technology that will allow for collaboration on projects,” Ackermann said. “We are also looking at 3D technology for the students and staff to utilize. There will eventually be a room for students to work on video and audio projects, as well.”

Renovations are expected to begin in May, and the new center is scheduled to be complete for the start of the 2017-18 school year.

This media center transformation will serve as a guide for future renovations in the district’s schools.

“The other schools are excited about what their media centers can become. They are starting to look at plans on how to re-invent their spaces,” Ackermann said.

VSWC Architects in Mason were selected for the design of the new center.

The project — with an estimated cost of $250,000 to $300,000 — will be paid for with permanent improvement funds. This fund is used for items with a shelf-life of five years or longer, such as furniture, technology and books.

“We are excited to bring a space to our students and staff that allows them to collaborate and problem solve in a comfortable environment. The Kings School District wants to give our staff and students the tools they need to be competitive in the workforce and college when the graduate,” said Ackermann.

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