Students will be greeted by a few changes and upgrades at Kutztown High School on the first day of school, Aug. 29.
The Kutztown High School renovation project is about 70 percent complete, said Kutztown Superintendent Kathy Metrick prior to the start of the 2016-17 school year.
“They will be thrilled with the renovations,” said Metrick. “We are thrilled with the results thus far. We will continue working through the kinks and adjustments inherent in any renovation project until the project is complete. We worked with some wonderful companies on getting the results we have so far achieved.”
Started in October 2015, the renovation project includes adding air conditioning to the parts of the building that didn’t have it, complete remodel of the locker rooms, the addition of two new science rooms and upgrades to three existing science rooms.
“All science rooms were from the original construction in 1959 and in desperate need of updating,” said Metrick.
Other changes include new windows and facade on the outside of the building, a triple stop entryway, remodeled office and nurse’s quarters for safety and traffic flow, the addition of an elevator, updated bathrooms, new lockers throughout the building, and the enclosing of the outdoor hallway, said Metrick.
“We expect the cost of the renovation to be just shy of $12,000,000,” said David Miller, Business Administrator and Board Treasurer. “It was funded by a $9,000,000 loan and the rest by fund balance.”
Metrick likes the renovations that were made.
“Because most of the building was so old and tired, parts were falling apart. Our board made some beautiful upgrades without making a huge impact on our budget,” she said. “The air conditioning will be a welcome relief. The brightness of the hallways and the functionality of the new spaces will be embraced by staff and students.”
How does this renovation project benefit students and their education?
“The air conditioning will certainly help students concentrate, not to mention individuals who had health issues in the extreme heat. The improved natural lighting provides great working conditions.”
Also, the changes to the science rooms were rooted in safety and functionality, she said.
“One thing the students have been asking for since I arrived was a space in which they could take pride,” said Metrick. “They should be very proud of their school now!”
