This school year, district buildings are receiving improvements, but while the upgrades are highly anticipated, the construction has left teachers and students with some inconveniences.
April 2024, voters granted the district an $18 million bond to improve the school. This year, because of PropKIDS projects, staff and students can’t avoid the apparent construction; the drive approaching the school is being altered for construction of a fifth grade wing at the middle school, renovations to the high school music/stage areas are still underway and crews are currently preparing foundations to add rooms to the space in between the main high school building and the art/biology building. Students have to take a detour around the building to get to such classes.
The building of the new science and art classrooms and the addition of new restrooms will enclose the exterior space between the two buildings in addition to creating more classroom space.
“Our high school has needed more restrooms for many years, and this addition allows us that opportunity. We are also looking at expanding our alternative education program, and the new art room and science classroom give us the needed space. Enclosing this area also gives our high school campus better secured areas,” district superintendent Scott Gemes said.
Biology teacher Mason Dunnaway says teachers have been very patient and flexible with the routine changes.
“The construction has changed the way I enter the campus. Mr. Payne, Mrs. Gemes, and Mrs. Whitaker have all graciously let me into the building through their classrooms on numerous occasions,” Dunnaway said.
While he recognizes the inconvenience of students having to walk around the building to get to his classroom, Dunnaway looks forward to the new addition.
“I’m excited for the addition of restrooms for students, new classrooms,” Dunnaway said. “Having students go around the building to reach my classroom is not ideal for numerous reasons, but students have done a great job of making it to class on time thus far.”
Sophomore Cayden Hocket, a sophomore, said teachers have been accommodating throughout the construction and he is looking forward to more bathrooms in the building.
“The construction isn’t affecting me that bad, because we don’t end up being tardy,” Hocket said. “I feel great about it because we’re getting new bathrooms.”
One of the projects that created some challenges for students and teachers has been the remodel of the band/music room and stage. Delays in the project made for late move-in, and, while the project is not entirely complete, the new music classroom is now in use by students.
“We started with the focus on the stage, but the band and music room remodel was needed to allow us to create better storage and also upgrade the area that needed a lot of attention as well. The stage has taken longer than planned, but we have a new lighting system, new audio system, and also possibly new curtain system in the work as well,” district superintendent Scott Gemes said.
Sandra Stewart, the JBMS and WHS band director, is excited about the facility changes to her department. The room was renovated with new office and storage space. The remodel also changed the doorway for the route to the field.
“Yes, I’m excited for it; it’s been a very long process because it’s still not done,” she said.
Stewart did admit that classes were interrupted and have had to work around construction.
Games admits that construction delays have caused some challenges to the start of the school year.
“Construction always comes with surprises. Lead times on supplies have been especially challenging—flooring in the music room and doors. Our initial design of the stairs in the stage also set us back. Phasing out the project to be completed in the time frame has also made us have some difficult decisions as well,” Games said.
Projects will continue into next summer and are estimated to be completed by August 2026.
“Next summer, we will remodel the inside courtyard. The goal is to make this a more welcoming space and also be able to be used more by classes, especially our foods classes,” Games said.
The high school/middle school campus has not been the only district site for improvements. Elementary restrooms were also remodeled.
