When more than 200 first and second grade students enter Pearce Elementary for the first day of the Spring 2022 Semester, they’ll immediately be greeted by the smell of fresh paint. As they walk into the hallway they will come upon a large tiled logo of the Southside Cardinal. It’s all part of a total building renovation following a devastating fire, authorities say, set by an arsonist last April. “It really is a brand new school,” said principal Brenda Gonzales. Following the fire, workers gutted the entire main building because of smoke damage. “Everything is new. From the ceiling tiles, toilets, and desks. Everything,” Gonzales said. Each classroom will also contain a high-tech touch interactive monitor that replaces drop down screens and overhead projectors. The principal added, “The fire really impacted us but our students now will have the best.”
