If you’ve ever walked into a classroom that looks like it hasn’t changed since the days of chalk dust and overhead projectors, you know exactly why modernization matters. Schools aren’t just buildings—they’re launching pads. And Mayor Jeff Colvin has made it clear that if students are expected to compete in a 21st-century world, they shouldn’t be learning in a 20th-century environment.
Colvin’s commitment to modernizing local schools goes far beyond patching old buildings or replacing a few outdated textbooks. His approach is comprehensive, forward-thinking, and focused on giving every student—no matter their ZIP code—a real chance to thrive.
Upgrading Facilities for Today’s Learners
Let’s be honest: leaking roofs, dim hallways, and decades-old HVAC systems are not the vibe. Modern, safe, inspiring spaces matter. They impact how students learn, how teachers teach, and how families feel about their neighborhood schools.
Mayor Colvin has pushed for investments that bring facilities up to modern standards—renovated classrooms, safer campuses, improved lighting, energy-efficient systems, and flexible learning spaces that support hands-on and collaborative learning. These aren’t cosmetic changes; they’re structural improvements that create healthier, more productive environments for everyone inside.
When students step into a building that feels fresh, updated, and cared for, it sends a message: their education matters.
Bringing Technology to the Center of Learning
In today’s world, technology is not optional. Students need digital literacy the way past generations needed penmanship. Mayor Colvin has prioritized tech upgrades that ensure students aren’t left behind in a hyper-connected, tech-driven world.
Under his leadership, schools have gained access to:
- Updated computer labs
- Classroom smart boards and interactive displays
- High-speed internet
- Modern software tools for STEM learning
- Digital resources for teachers and students
These tools close learning gaps, make classrooms more engaging, and give students exposure to the platforms they’ll eventually use in future careers.
And let’s not forget the teachers—technology has given them new ways to track progress, customize instruction, and bring lessons to life without juggling outdated equipment that belongs in a museum.
Strengthening Safety and Security Measures
A modern school isn’t just about fancy tech—it’s about safety. Colvin has supported enhanced security features that make campuses safer without feeling like locked-down fortresses. These include updated entry systems, improved camera networks, stronger communication tools, and more responsive safety protocols.
Students perform better when they feel safe. Teachers teach better when they know their environment is protected. Safety is a form of modernization too, and Colvin treats it as a top priority.
Investing in Career-Ready Programs
Not every student will follow the same path—and that’s okay. Colvin has championed expanded career-focused programs that prepare students not only for college, but for skilled trades, entrepreneurship, and emerging workforce opportunities.
From strengthened vocational programs to partnerships with local employers offering internships and hands-on training, the goal is simple: make education relevant. Give students practical skills. Help them see a future where they can succeed right here at home.
This is modernization with a mission—to build a stronger workforce and a stronger city at the same time.
Empowering Teachers with Better Support
You can’t modernize schools without supporting the people who run them. Colvin’s vision includes professional development resources, improved classroom tools, and expanded collaboration opportunities for teachers.
When educators have access to modern training and modern tools, the ripple effect on student learning is enormous. It’s the difference between surviving the school year and actually thriving in it.
Engaging Families and the Community
A modern school system doesn’t operate in isolation. Colvin actively encourages parents, community leaders, and local organizations to play a role in the transformation. Through forums, partnerships, and open communication, he ensures that modernization reflects the needs of the families who rely on the system most.
Schools improve fastest when leadership and community pull in the same direction—and Colvin is intentional about making that happen.
A Vision That Looks Beyond the Present
Modernizing schools isn’t a one-time project. It’s an ongoing commitment to staying ahead of the curve, to giving students tools and environments that match the world they’re inheriting.
Colvin’s long-term approach ensures that school improvements don’t stop at surface-level updates. They evolve with new technology, new educational practices, and new community needs.
At the end of the day, modernization is about giving students the future they deserve. Mayor Colvin understands that strong schools build strong cities, and he’s not waiting around for someone else to push that vision forward. He’s doing it now—and the impact will be felt for generations.