1st Phase of Junior High Renovation Unveiled Monday

(THIS AREA IS ON THE MAIN FLOOR WITH THE LIBRARY TO THE LEFT AND THE MAIN ENTRANCE TO THE RIGHT)

The public had an opportunity to view the first phase of renovation work at Effingham Junior High School Monday. Comments were favorable.

Those who will be working in the building also liked what was completed during Phase One.

The work completed this summer is the first of three phases during which the junior high building will be completely renovated.

Much was done to spruce up the first floor main hallway. The entry into the building is much different. In addition to being much more visually striking, the entrance provides additional security.

(THIS IS THE MAIN FLOOR HALLWAY, LOOKING SOUTH FROM ROUGHLY WHERE YOU WOULD ENTER THE BUILDING FROM THE GYM. MUCH OF THE BUILDING WILL BE IN TRANSITION OVER THE MULTI-YEAR RENOVATION PROJECT)

There was a considerable amount of work done in the area of the smaller gym, once known as the girls' gym. The space was originally used as the Unit 40 offices, but has been converted into classroom space as has the former girls' locker room. Restrooms have been modernized in several locations.

Air conditioning in the building is also a welcome addition.

Junior High Principal Cody Lewis is pleased with what he's seen accomplished during the first summer of the multi-year conversion. Lewis echoed comments heard from several others that you couldn't imagine how the building now looks compared to even a week ago. Much work remains to get the office area ready for use. Lewis said that's because efforts were concentrated on getting classrooms ready first.

(A HALLWAY THROUGH THE JUNIOR HIGH OFFICES. THE AREA WAS ONCE A CHALLENGE TO NAVIGATE. WORK WAS CONCENTRATED ON GETTING CLASSROOMS READY FOR THE SCHOOL YEAR; NOW SOME TIME CAN BE SPENT ON GETTING THE OFFICES IN ORDER)

The old front steps into the building are gone. Instead, you have a choice of using new steps on one side or a ramp on the other side to get into the building. A secure area at the entrance is now in place and will allow access to the office, but not to the main part of the building.

Much of the work won't be immediately noticed by the public. For those of you who went to high school in the building, renovation has taken place in the areas leading from the cafeteria to the area once known as the Rec Room. The work provides additional storage space for support staff. Plenty of other infrastructure work is a large part of the project.

Work will resume next summer and is to be completed in the following summer.