The renovation of the elementary school began in February 2025 and is slated for completion by March 31, 2026. Construction was divided into five phases to ensure students receive the best possible education while the work continues. As of the end of September, the crew is 50 percent finished with the renovation. The first three phases are complete, while the last two were recently revised due to the inclusion of 12 classrooms in those phases. The plans were adjusted because the original layout concentrated many classrooms in that section. Looking ahead to the new year, work on the final phase will begin, and a more finished product will become visible. Within the next two weeks, staff and members of the surrounding community will notice significant progress in the back of the school and in the classrooms.
The district continues to face challenges, including managing dust on unfinished floors. Some areas have completed flooring, while others remain bare cement, which can pose a hazard for younger students. Additionally, the pick-up and drop-off procedures will be changing within the next few weeks, which may create challenges for parents and guardians. The location will soon shift to the front of the school as construction advances. The highest priority remains keeping students safe while maintaining a positive classroom environment amid ongoing construction. Although it is difficult to avoid disrupting classes, progress made over the summer and after school hours has made it easier for students to continue learning.
Students are also noticing how new and modernized the school is becoming. Superintendent Mark Mitchell shared, “The good things are obvious. It’s funny, kids will come in and say, ‘Our school is so nice,’ and that wasn’t always what you heard.”
There are many positives about the renovation. Each classroom now has a door to enhance safety throughout the district. The HVAC system is newer and cleaner, creating a healthier learning environment. For added safety, the playground will soon be fully fenced in behind the elementary school. Lastly, buses will now drop off and pick up students at the back of the school, separate from student drivers, allowing for a safer and more organized traffic flow.
