School Construction Project Reaches Key Transition as Phase 1 Nears Completion and Phase 2 Advances

The district’s large-scale school construction project has reached a significant milestone as Phase 1 work in the main school building addition nears completion and Phase 2 construction on the new gymnasium continues to move forward. The updates, provided by Project Manager Ryan Fuhler of Poettker Construction, highlight steady progress across both phases and showcase the rapid transformation taking place on campus.

Phase 1 focuses on the construction of a new wing within the main school building, including classrooms, science labs, fine arts spaces, and a new auditorium. Much of this work has now entered its final stages, with crews transitioning from structural and installation work to cleaning, finishing, and technical setup.

On the second floor of the new addition, classrooms are in various stages of final cleaning, an indication that construction work in these areas is largely complete. The new science rooms have also reached an important benchmark, with casework installation finished and the cleaning process now underway. These spaces are being prepared to support hands-on learning in modern, purpose-built environments.

Progress continues on the first floor classrooms as well. Flooring and ceilings have been installed, and finish work at the walls is complete. With these elements in place, the layout and functionality of the new classrooms are clearly visible as the spaces near readiness.

Fine arts areas within the new wing are also taking shape. The band and choir rooms now have paint on the walls, and flooring installation is currently underway. These dedicated spaces are designed to enhance acoustics, rehearsal efficiency, and student performance experiences.

Construction of the new auditorium remains a major focal point of Phase 1. In the auditorium lobby, flooring is being prepped and ceilings have already been installed. Inside the auditorium, walls have been painted, and crews are preparing the stage floor for installation. Technical work is progressing as well, with cable being pulled for all theater lighting and sound systems. Stage rigging equipment installation is approximately 75 percent complete, bringing the performance space closer to full functionality.

While Phase 1 approaches the finish line, Phase 2 construction on the new gymnasium and locker room facilities continues to gain momentum. This phase represents a major new addition to the campus, expanding athletic and physical education spaces.

Precast concrete walls for the gymnasium have largely been set, with two panels intentionally left off to allow access into the building during ongoing construction. Inside, mezzanine steel has been installed, and crews are preparing to place the concrete slab in the coming week, a key step in defining the interior structure.

Masonry work is also progressing steadily. The masonry walls along the west corridor have been completed, while work is currently underway on the east corridor walls. In addition, roofing work on the gymnasium is scheduled to begin next week, which will allow construction to continue efficiently as the building becomes enclosed.

As the project moves from one phase into the next, the scope and scale of the new additions are becoming increasingly visible. With Phase 1 nearing completion and Phase 2 continuing to rise, the district’s investment in expanded, modern facilities is taking shape and setting the stage for the next chapter of the school’s growth.