The Vandalized Fire Alarm @ Bettes Elementary School

Bettes Elementary School was constructed in 1927 and equipped with a manual pull rod fire alarm system. In 1952 additional classrooms were added to the building. It was at this time the fire alarm system was upgraded with electrical IBM hardware that automated the entire system. In 2018 - 2019 the school was closed due to redistricting and sold at public auction. The new owners intended to repurpose the old school building and use it for a community center. Due to lack of funding the project never came to fruition. Sadly, the building was breached by metal scrapers and vandals and fell into a total state of disrepair. As of February 2023, this school has been demolished.