The Baldwin School’s Schoolhouse bathrooms underwent renovations as students returned to campus this year. The last time the restrooms in the Schoolhouse were renovated was in the 1997-1998 school year, during an entire Schoolhouse update. 

Upper School Director Christie Reed said the reasoning behind the renovations is simply because it was time for an improvement.

“There have been a lot of complaints for a number of years,” Mrs. Reed said. 

For example, students have voiced concern over a lack of privacy, as the stall doors had numerous gaps and openings. 

“Particularly, the stalls next to the windows were sort of wide open and anyone could lean around,” Mrs. Reed said.

The new renovations aimed to resolve these issues. Updates included repainted walls, new lighting, and redesigned bathroom stalls that are taller and gap-free. New soap and paper towel dispensers are still in the process of being installed, and in the future, a deodorizing system will be added.

Mrs. Reed noted that she is pleased with the renovation outcome.

“I think the stall doors are amazing,” Mrs. Reed said. “The lighting they put in is better, and possibly more eco-friendly.”

The renovations have generally been well-received among students, such as Deena Fechner ‘29.

“I like that the doors have no cracks in them, and there’s more privacy,” Fechner said. “I like the color scheme as well.” 

Fechner noted the only cons of the bathroom renovations are the absence of napkins and soap dispensers on the wall before they were completed. 

Another Baldwin student, Makena Lee ‘27 similarly stressed the need for paper towels supplied in all of the bathrooms, but emphasized that she liked the new stall design. 

“I find that the closed gaps between the stalls is the best new aspect of the restrooms, otherwise I think everything else seems the same, besides a new modern twist,” Elise Skawinski ‘29 said.