A Campus Look & Function Survey East High School, Memphis, Tennessee

Comments on a decorative iron fence around the campus:

• I would think it would be too expensive for such a large campus, and it would have to be maintained or you will lose the impact.
• Only if there are security concerns that can only be remedied by a fence.
• If not kept up, it will begin to look like a ghetto fence, with trash blown up against it and stuck there. But this is in Memphis, and on Poplar, so it might be kept up pretty well and not look so bad. But a fence always suggests something unfriendly. Is it to keep students in, or to keep the public out?
• Trash would be around it all the time. Car wrecks would damage then would need to be repaired. I like the openness of East. Too expensive.
• I think it would improve the overall image of the school in the Memphis area.... It's a beautiful school and should be maintained as such.
• If it is not for security, I see no need for the large expense.
• "It would not be inexpensive." So it would be EXPENSIVE. How about straightening the goal-posts on the shabby football/track field and keeping up the grounds a LOT better first? Isn't this supposed to be done anyway? Just who "floated the idea" for a new fence - a school board member with a relative with a fence company? HOWEVER, if it is to be built with NON-PUBLIC money, have at it. Please don't paint it red.
• Must be better places to spend the money! (ones that actually help students' learning)
• If safety is an issue, then yes. Just for looks? Elevate the image?? Save your money and my money.
•  Great idea [Respondent: former faculty]
• 2 concerns: (1) Conveying an elitist impression during this time of inclusiveness. (2) Money should be spent on substantive educational programs.
• I favor it because if the proximity of crime ridden neighborhoods.
• Not necessary
• The expense of the fence. Why can't the money be used for better education for the students?

Comments about lighting the school at night:

• Looks very becoming. [Editor's note: presumably this is about the "artist's rendering of what the school might look like lighted.]
  
• [Somewhat favor] If the horse head benchs are removed
• It is a beautiful building, but I am more in favor of only highlighting the entrance. It seems like a lot of lights, but new bulb technology would not be as expensive to light
• Too much "show" and not enough "go". Save the money. Be subtle. Most people don't like a braggart anyway. This isn't Broadway, it's a school (as in learning institution). Prove you're a great school, then be brag (a little), if you must.
• waste of money--this is not the White House
• Safety should be a top priority in and around EHS. If there is lighting, then it should be on all night.
• Lighting outdated. [Respondent: former faculty]
• Excellent idea for aesthetic reasons and for safety/security.
• If it protected the school and were kept on all night for safety that would be good but this idea is just for looks.
• Lights would highlight it's beauty.
• Don't shut it off at 10. Wait till after midnight

Comments about removing the statue-benches that are in front of the school:

• I agree that they take away from the most beautiful school in Memphis.
• Not really a big deal.
• They are not consistent with the architecture of the school
• the statues are absolutely hideous - I am in the art world so have an educated opinion.
• They destroy the architectural statement of the building . While they may look alright in some other venue , I feel that they are a distracting and incongruous eyesore .
• Makes school look cheap
•  Doesn't go with front of school. Could be put in another part of school - side of school. Make a seating area.
• Maybe replace with hardscape that would blend in if the benches are used. Otherwise, these are really an eyesore. The sculptures could probably be maintained in a more tasteful way.
• [Highly favoring removal] The front of the school is beautiful...need steps repaired and power washed
• The horse head are fine, but the red part looks like a BBQ pit.
• The bright red draws everyone's eye to the red, away from the mustangs and the school. The statues are okay, but the bright red is hideous.
• totally don't go with the architecture of the school
• I like the original Mustang that the class of 32 or 63 donated to the school. What they have now looks hideous [Editor's note: it is believed there is typographical error in this response, that it should read class of 62 or 63...]
•  I like the horse heads, but I think they should be mounted on limestone, brick, or granite to be more complimentary of the architecture. The benches could be moved. I do not like the bright red in front
• This takes away from the beauty of the architecture. It definitely should be relocated.
• Terrible design - doesn't complement architecture of school building at all. Who approved this installation to begin with? It looks like it should be in the cafeteria, if anywhere at all.
• The Mustang statues definitely should be removed from the campus altogether. They add nothing positive to the design or character of the school. To improve the look of the main entrance, or any of the exit doors, a professional power wash would improve the looks, beginning at the steps at the front and into the exterior walk ways, concrete pillars and other concrete work that is unique to this stunning architectural wonder.
• The original architecture is truly distinguished. The statues and benches detract from the classic look of the school.
• Moving them is a great idea. They certainly do not fit with the original architecture.
• Those benches are ridiculously tacky and are very cheap looking.
• They look hideous
•  Detracts from the beauty and style of architecture.
• Colors do not go with architecture. The horse heads are wonderful pieces of art and should be placed on campus else where.
• Just get rid of the Mustang statues and benches.
• I feel the statues detract from the architecture and overpower the lines of the buildings. [Editor's note: this comment from a respondent that did not indicate graduate/faculty status and did not answer the survey questions other than to provide comments.]

Comments about building a sportsplex (football stadium) on the campus:

• I like the open field west of the school. The new stadium would not allow kids to play in the open area.
• I think a stadium would take away from the purpose of the school. Just not needed.
• Well, I highly favor a sports complex, and I played football at East for 5 years, from peewee to varsity, but football is getting a very bad rap these days, and not sure where it will end up, seeing as how the dangers of it are so visible now. What if you build a big stadium and nobody comes? What if football becomes a thing of the past? But of course, it could just morph into flag football, or something else, or maybe some of the new rules will change it so much, it's no longer football, but it's safer than football. Who knows?
• Not sure how important a stadium like this is to a STEM school with its emphasis on academic excellence. Money might be better spent on lab equipment, field trips, internship programs, etc. I played two sports at East, so I don't want to downplay the importance of sports to the overall development of its students today, but I would want you to carefully weigh the cost vs. benefit. Also, as a matter of cost, I would recommend the lighting over the fencing, if it comes down to it. Thanks for valuing my input. My 13 years (I started in kindergarten) meant a great deal to me. East provided me with an excellent education.
• [Somewhat favor] If it could be safe from vandalism
• If East becomes a STEM magnet school, will they even have a football team?
• Waste of tax-payer money. Get in the classroom & learn. HOWEVER, if it is to be built with NON-PUBLIC donations, have at it, but take into consideration the the iconic school building already on the campus in the design of the "sportsplex" - and what upkeep, etc. costs the taxpayers will probably have to pay. "'This is not just about East High School,' Hopson said of the general idea of a 'sportsplex.' This is about painting a vision. … We should have equitable facilities. Because East was a canvas," What would Mr. Snyder have thought about such grandiose, contradictory oration from a Public School Superintendent? Hmmm. [Editor's note: Mr. Snyder was the first principal of East High School.]
• This may sound radical, but an expensive sports facility with a fancy stadium has nothing to do with education.
• With East becoming a STEM school, I do not envision sports as part of the school. Additionally, I feel confident Poplar Ave. could not handle any more heavy traffic than it has already. There are still residences on Walnut Grove, Greer and Holmes that may not appreciate extra parking on their streets.
• Excellent idea (depending on final details and design). This would be great for student-athletes and school spirit and would convey a strong message regarding educational mission.
• This would enhance the school.
• With the school's high visibility on Poplar Avenue, a sportsplex would be a dynamic use of the space. [Editor's note: this comment from a respondent that did not indicate graduate/faculty status and did not answer the survey questions other than to provide comments.]