Page 36 - AASBO EDGE Fall 2021 WEB

AASBO SUMMER CONFERENCE WRAP-UP

BY DON HARRIS
Paul Bakalis Tina Bakalis Jared Bliss
Simple Changes Can Enhance the Learning Environment

Getting through Covid was, for many, a horrifying experience, filled with inequities. Some things weren’t working as well
but it opened doors to an improved learning experience. as they could. So, embrace this new normal. Shepherd student
to this new normal. “
In a breakout session at AASBO’s Summer Conference
and Expo titled, “A New Hope for Future Generations of There is inequitable infrastructure in urban and rural schools,
Learners,” attendees were told that state and federal money said Bakalis, former Executive Director of the School Facilities
is available to enhance school structures through architectural Board. “I have seen the inequities first-hand,” he said.
and technological projects. Presenters were Paul Bakalis
and his wife Tina, of Proteus West, an architectural and He showed examples of schools that state funding has helped,
engineering firm, and Jared Bliss, Project Manager, Corgan, including Benson USD Chic Maldonado Elementary School
an architecture and design company. and Safford USD Dorothy Stinson Elementary School. “It’s
not the state spending money – it’s a state investment,” Bakalis
Paul Bakalis suggested that as bad as Covid has been, it said. “It doesn’t matter how much of an investment you make
“brought upon us opportunities we need to recognize – we if you prioritize the correct visions and what you’re trying to
learned new skills and leveraged new technologies. We’ve produce for a school.” He mentioned options such as flexible
engaged students in different ways.” adaptable spaces and moving glass walls, and urged greater
reliance on natural light to enhance classroom connectivity.
He added: “We should not seek a return to normal that was

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36 THE EDGE FALL 2021