Bret Harte Elementary in Bayview awarded gym renovation during NBA Foundation’s ‘5 days of community impact’

April 9, 2025

In collaboration with the Golden State Warriors and Heart of America, the NBA Foundation awarded gym renovations to Bret Harte Elementary School with a day full of activities and special NBA and WNBA appearances during the NBA All-Star Playoffs on February 14. Bret Harte, opened in 1940, had developed significant structural issues in its gym due to weather exposure and humidity, requiring comprehensive repairs to the floor and paint. The school was selected through a collaborative process that considered both the facility's needs and its ability to maintain improvements, as explained by Jill Heath, President and CEO of Heart of America Foundation.

Who is affected

Students and staff of Bret Harte Elementary School in San Francisco's Bayview neighborhood
The Bayview community that uses the school facilities, which has "been impacted by many traumatic events in the past" according to Pre-K and T.K. instructional coach Adrianna Bertumen

What action is being taken

The NBA Foundation, Golden State Warriors, and Heart of America Foundation collaborated to renovate the gym at Bret Harte Elementary School
The renovation addressed structural issues, floor repairs, and paint work needed due to years of weather exposure and humidity damage
The event included additional activities such as reading lessons, outdoor games, painting, basketball, and appearances from NBA and WNBA stars

Why it matters

According to the Heart of America Foundation, similar renovation projects at other schools have led to higher attendance rates and increased school pride among students
The renovation demonstrates community investment in the school, which community school coordinator Karla Zambrano-Armijos said shows students "how to take care of our stuff and how important it is to give back to your community"
Volunteer Andrea Wise-Brown noted that improved facilities help students feel worthy and encouraged to "reach higher"
Bertumen emphasized that the transformation will "impact them in a very positive way" by providing "a better environment" for resilient children who "work really hard"

Read full article from source: San Francisco Bay View National Black Newspaper