WASHINGTON — Student protests have evolved beyond crayons, poster board and paint.
Ben Murch Elementary School students are taking city leaders to task in a YouTube video.
“Find the money to properly renovate Ben Murch Elementary,” two students in the video demand.
“Because of a math error. A math error! They now say we’re over budget,” another group of children say.
The video claims that D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser has cut the Murch modernization budget.
“You’re going back on your word. You said Murch would be renovated for the long term,” two more children add.
A school spokeswoman tells WTOP the current Murch design meets and exceeds student needs:
“DCPS agrees that Murch is in need of a modernization,” Michelle Lerner said in an email. “In addition, DCPS is committed to ensuring there are appropriate spaces for students to learn, eat, and play. And we are certain that the current design meets all those criteria and more,” Lerner said.
The school sits between Nebraska and Connecticut avenues near Deal Middle School.
Since March of last year, and as recently as this week, there have been more than a dozen meetings about the Murch Elementary renovation project — including many that collected feedback from the community.
“D.C. Public Schools had a productive meeting with the Murch community, Council members (Mary) Cheh and (David) Grosso, the Department of General Services and the construction company about this modernization (Wednesday). And DGS will be reporting back additional information that was requested,” Lerner said.
WTOP is awaiting a comment from the D.C. Mayor’s office.
See the students’ protest video below.
