Former MacArthur Elementary Students Reunite At BBQ

SHARE NOW

It’s been nearly two years since the 2011 floods, the same amount of time MacArthur Elementary students were last together in the same building. Students and staff were reunited in celebration after Binghamton residents voted in April to support a project to rebuild the flood-ravaged school. The students — split into two separate buildings for the past two school years — came together again Monday at MacArthur Park with a bounce house, BBQ and entertainment.
For many this celebration is another sign their school community will be whole again. Plans for the new MacArthur school include a more energy efficient structure that will be built five feet above the flood plain and closer to Vestal Avenue. There are specialized wings for each grade, a retaining wall and new spots for the school track and athletic fields. FEMA is covering most of the $77.8 million project, with the district and its taxpayers picking up nearly $3 million. Binghamton hopes to see the new school completed by August of 2015, in time for students to start the school year there.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *