After five years of planning and 16 months of construction, it has come down to this: Jefferson High will welcome freshmen on Aug. 26, and everyone else a day later — and the school’s $14.5 million expansion and renovation project isn’t quite finished.
But it will be, mostly.
“You might look at it and think, ‘It’s not going to be ready in three weeks,’ but the construction company assured us that everything will be ready when school starts,” said Jefferson High School Superintendent Erik Wilkerson.
As Wilkerson walked through the campus, workers were painting, attaching molding, setting up classroom interiors, installing lighting and completing final touch-ups across multiple areas in the new two-story structure as well as in the original school building.
The new building will feature 10 rooms, including an expanded science room, a music room, a teachers’ lounge, office spaces, and open breakout areas for students. That presents a sizable punch list for contractors to work down.
Countertops and sinks still must be installed in the science rooms. Welding stations have to be set up in the wood and metal shop classrooms, which have been extended by 25 feet. Floors need cleaning. New alarm and camera systems need to be checked. “Tying the two buildings together can be a little tricky, and they’re still working on it,” Wilkerson said.
Then there are the smart boards. “Each classroom will have a new smart board. There are a few we may need to install after school starts, likely within the first couple of weeks,” Wilkerson said.
The existing school structure is undergoing final renovations, too. Several rooms are being cleared of mold, and asbestos is being removed from some older rooms before tiling and carpeting can be completed.The library is being relocated to a smaller room, while the former library space is being repurposed to support the planned charter school program, online classes, and administrative needs.
One science room is being converted to a space for an after-school gaming program. Another is being transformed into a common room, primarily serving as an extension of the cafeteria for additional seating and activities.
“Our lunch program is quite popular, and we don’t have enough room in the cafeteria for all the students. This new space will serve as an overflow area,” Wilkerson said.
Workers are preparing the old music room to become a space for the drama program. The room has been carpeted, like many others, but it awaits furniture. In fact, many rooms do: A shipment of desks and chairs is expected to arrive on Aug. 19.
Wilkerson acknowledged that the timeline for completing construction may be ambitious. Contractors are expected to remain on-site to handle minor tasks, such as addressing issues with electronics, the sound system, or any other interior details.
But he is optimistic that the facilities will be ready to serve the school community.
“The new building creates a positive environment, showing that we’re willing to invest in our students, teachers, and school system. I think we’re going to see a much more positive atmosphere,” Wilkerson said.
