Close to 150 residents crowded into Guilford High School's auditorium for their suggestions to be heard by the Guilford High School Building Committee (GHSBC). Comment from the public ranged from questions regarding square footage to concerns regarding the inside of the building. Many voiced opinions about the performance arts facilities as well.

The Building Committee, whose meetings generally draw in a crowd of fewer than 10, was thrilled to hear positive feedback and opinions regarding the architects of Tai Soo Kim and their two building design schemes.

"We had a really good turnout. It was wonderful for the people who came and they had really great comments. It's been so positive and people were thoughtful and it made the committee feel really good," said GHSBC Vice Chair Barbara Casey.

"Everybody had suggestions. I'm happy to say that most of them we had already considered, but there were a couple of them that came up that I" hope to pursue, GHSBC Chair Scott Pinckney said. "That's why we want as much input as possible because we aren't going to catch everything. That's the most important thing to me-I want to make sure everybody who has something to say gets heard and we get everybody involved."

Casey said comments from the public were especially helpful because the schematic designs prepared by Tai Soo Kim are exactly that-"the outside skin of the building." The architects still have the inside of the building to design so the committee urges the public to become involved with the project by attending the weekly meetings.

Committee members will be categorizing suggestions and will be taking them into account, especially once the inside of the building becomes more solidified. They are also going over their timeline and will have more meetings dedicated to public input. The committee met on Jan. 31 (after press time) and was expected to choose one out of two designs for the new building.

GHS Building Committee meetings are held every Tuesday evening at 7 p.m. The typical location is at the Community Center-visit www.guilfordhigh.com for updates and more information on the proposal, including architects' renderings.

Residents unable to attend GHSBC meetings are urged to email the committee to share their views by clicking on the GHSBC Comments & Inquiries section.