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Jed Boal ReportingAs most Utah children head back to school this week there's a real difference in the facilities in which they'll learn. Many districts struggle to meet the needs of their students, others have unveiled the latest and greatest in education.
Two years and 25-million dollars after construction started, Murray has a high school it considers state of the art. Inside and out it's impressive, but most importantly, the students are proud of it.
This lighter, cleaner and more open school replaces a 55-year old facility that was...well old school.
Mandi Burton, Murray High School Senior: “It just makes everyone prouder to be in here than some school that was falling apart and they were tearing down all the time. It's lighter in here. That's really nice."
The school district knows proud students are more eager to learn. All rooms use natural light, especially the commons.
Richard Tranter/Murray School District Superintendent: “We've tried to take the institutional atmosphere out of it; this is more like the mall."
The halls are roomy and less noisy.
Jessica Hill, Murray High School Senior: “It was just nice being able to move through the halls and not have it be so crowded. To move from place to place with ease was really nice."
It's all really nice from the auditorium to the computerized auto shop and cooking lab with a restaurant kitchen. The library is a high-tech media center and the building is wired for remote computer access.
The school is heated and cooled by a cutting edge network of pipes that stretches 300 feet into the ground. It saved one million dollars during construction, will shave 20-40 percent off energy bills, and it makes all the difference on a 95-degree day.
Chaz Washington, Murray High School Senior: “Last year worrying about the heat, was tough. I feel cool and relaxed, more able to focus."
A courtyard and entrance on the other side of the building will be completed in December.
