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                       Happy 40th Birthday Walter T. Bergen School!
                                    October 24, 1971 - October 24, 2011

In 1968, the voters of Bloomingdale, approved a referendum to build a new middle school at an estimated cost of 1.65 million dollars. Three previous referendum votes had failed including in June 1966, October 1966 and December 1966. However, on December 11, 1968, the fourth attempt resulted in the largest voter turnout ever for a school election with 730 in favor to 318 against. In February of 1971, the Board of Education unanimously voted to name the school after Mr. Walter T. Bergen, who began his career in Bloomingdale in 1929. In honoring Mr. Bergen, the board said in its resolution "Above and beyond his academic achievements, and his attainments within our school system, is Mr. Bergen's total involvement with Bloomingdale's youth and their education. We feel there can be no greater significance in the naming of this building to honor a man who had dedicated his life in similar service. We therefore, in pride, will proclaim the name of the middle school the Walter T. Bergen School."

Mr. Bergen eventually retired in 1979 from the Bloomingdale school district after a 50 year career. At the time of his retirement, Mr. Bergen served in the capacity of principal at Samuel R. Donald School. As one last final act of respect and admiration for Mr. Bergen, the 1978-79 edition of the Glenwild Echoes was dedicated in his honor.

WTB school opened in September 1971 with a student population of 469 students in grades 6 thru 8. Mr. Alfred J. Alvine was appointed the first principal in June 1971 and remained in that position until his retirement in 1993.