Volunteers Help Renovate Harding Fine Arts Academy In OKC

Dozens of volunteers are covering the red paint at Harding Fine Arts Academy.

The charter school relies on parents, students and volunteers to make their old facility functional.

The original school was built in 1924 and is now home to two separate National Blue Ribbon charter high schools.

“We do not receive any facilities funding,” said Harding Fine Arts Academy Principal Barry Schmelzembach.

That means tackling new projects every summer for the school that expects 400 students in the fall.

This summer, volunteers are painting the 4^th floor and fixing lockers.

“The schools are definitely in need of help,” said David Graham with the flower company Teleflora.

Teleflora provided dozens of volunteers to paint the school.

Thanks to the improvements, more money can go to student programs.

Schmelzembach said despite budget cuts, it will not be losing any teachers and programs.