Jackson High School readies for first phase of construction

Jackson High School students won't need hard hats, but they may have to take a different route to get to classes.

More than a year after voters approved a nearly $20 million bond issue to revamp the aging high school campus, the district is preparing for the start of construction as September winds to a close.

High school principal Rick McClard said the construction may force students to take different routes between campus buildings.

"We just have to be flexible. Hopefully, our students and teachers understand that," he said Monday.

School officials said construction equipment and workers should arrive soon.

"I would anticipate we would see activity there this week. It is going to be almost immediately," said superintendent Dr. Ron Anderson.

The school board awarded a $15.5 million contract to Penzel Construction Co. of Jackson, which submitted the lower bid among two bidders. The contract is for the first phase of improvements, which should be finished by fall 2007, he said.

It involves construction of space for the music program, a new cafeteria and commons areas, new art rooms and an events center that will serve as both a high school gymnasium and a place for choral and instrumental performances.

Under one roof

The first phase includes bringing together most of the high school buildings under one roof.

The first phase of construction is more costly than would be the case with conventional classrooms, Anderson said. The project includes acoustical "treatments" for the music room and the gymnasium. Other expenses include the gym floor and seating, he said. Plumbing, ventilation and electrical wiring for the kitchen also increases the cost, Anderson said. The new art rooms will be equipped with exhaust fans and kilns.

The district has invested proceeds from the bond issue. As a result, the district expects to have about $22.5 million available for high school campus improvements.

A second phase will involve construction of a classroom building and library. "I would hope we would be starting on that in the spring of 2008," Anderson said.

School officials hope all of the high school campus improvements will be completed by summer 2009.

New construction will total more than 108,000 square feet when finished. But that doesn't include renovations to one of the existing campus buildings, and parking lot and street improvements.

"It's complex, but it's going to fit together nicely," Anderson said.

mbliss@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 123