Good things come to those that wait.
But the waiting at Eisenhower Middle High School, accommodating the upcoming renovations and additions, isn't going to be easy.
The construction at the school will proceed in phases. "We have been working with (Architect) Bud (Mracna) in looking at the specific phases to utilize parts of the building while others are being renovated." Director of Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment Gary Weber said.
Principal Erik Leamon has, in conjunction with central office, developed a plan for how that can be accomplished that will "maximize instructional time." He explained that the auditorium will be divided into six classrooms, separated by 12 foot high walls with drop lighting. Leamon said that the plan currently calls for the middle level program to occupy that space. "Mostly seventh and eighth grade," he said.
Weber said that there has been some flexibility in determining what portions of the building will fall into each phase of construction. For example, the band room was put off to the second phase to not interfere with marching band season.
He said that phase one of construction will begin sometime this winter or early spring and will last for approximately one year, possibly ending as early as December.
The second phase will begin the following summer and will include the library and the cafeteria. "A lot of that can be done and ready to go by fall," Weber said.
From a procedural standpoint, the most recognizable change will likely be the location of the main office and entrance, which will be moved from the front to the back of the building. Leamon explained that the plan calls for the principal's office to be located in the athletic director's office with the guidance offices and secretaries located in the wrestling area.
The current faculty lounge will be outfitted for family consumer science and one 8th grade class will be relocated to the high school wing. While the district tries to keep all middle level classes together, "those students currently utilize that room" for art class.
Without an auditorium, one hurdle that has yet to be overcome is where student choral, musical and theatrical performances will be held. Leamon said that alternate sites are currently under consideration. "We're preparing for that to meet the needs of our students," he said. The gymnasium will continue to be utilized for commencement.
While the arrangement of the building will change, school schedules won't. "(The) middle level will stick to their schedule as will the high school," Leamon said. "Instruction will continue."
In a manner similar to the renovations underway at Beaty-Warren Middle School, Superintendent Brandon Hufnagel explained that "it will be our recommendation (to) leave current fifth grade (students) going into sixth at the elementary schools" as phase two of construction will encompass more classrooms. "That will be the recommendation going into next year," he said.
The process of converting spaces to accommodate construction will start over the holiday break.