Breaking New Ground

Major changes are already happening at Polson High School. With the first phase of construction underway, the district’s ongoing renovation and expansion efforts will soon bring new classrooms, specialized spaces, and enhanced facilities to the campus.

This phase of construction will focus on a new addition to the high school that includes new science and family and consumer science classrooms, an art room, and an upgraded metal shop. This new addition will provide students with modern learning environments designed to support both academic and hands-on vocational training.

Swank’s project engineer Andy Jax said, “We’re really excited about this new space, this will be a big improvement for students, teachers, and the entire community. These upgrades are going to help Polson High School offer the best possible learning environment for years to come.”

This project has been in the works for the last six months, with the design phase already complete. The first steps in the physical construction process are underway, including demolition and excavation. Crews are preparing the site to pour the concrete foundation for the new addition. In the next couple of months, precast  tilt-up concrete walls will be delivered and set in place, marking the beginning of the building’s structural form.

Once the new addition is complete, the district will begin remodeling the current science labs and classrooms in the freshman hall. The entire project is expected to be completed in approximately 18 months, bringing a fresh, modernized look to the high school.

Though there will be some classroom disruptions during construction, the district is working hard to limit any negative impact on students and teachers. Power outages, temporary classroom displacements, and other minor disruptions are expected. However, the district’s construction team has been proactive in identifying and addressing potential challenges to keep the project moving forward smoothly.

“The project team has done a great job of anticipating any issues,” said Polson High School principal, Andrew Fors. “We’ve worked hard to minimize disruptions to the learning environment, but there will be some flexibility needed throughout the process.”

Once the project is completed, Polson High School students will experience a significantly better educational environment. The school, originally built in 1973, has seen few upgrades in the past 50 years. The upcoming improvements will offer updated classrooms, modernized spaces, and new facilities that the school currently lacks.

According to Fors, one of the most exciting changes will be the creation of a more secure facility. Currently, many students spend time outside the main building during the school day. The new addition will bring all students under one roof, with a single access point to increase security and streamline the campus layout.

“The security upgrades are a major benefit for us,” said Fors. “Having all of our students in a more centralized and secure building is a big improvement. It’s something we’ve needed for a long time.”

As with any major construction project, there are concerns about delays, unexpected costs, and keeping the project on schedule. However, the school district has had great success with previous projects, finishing on time and under budget like at the elementary schools.

“We’ve managed to keep things on track so far, and we’re hopeful that this project will go just as smoothly,” said Monte Moultray, Swank senior project manager. “Our goal is to deliver a great finished product without any unnecessary delays or costs. The community has been incredibly supportive throughout this process, and that’s been a huge help.”

While the students may have to endure a bit of disruption during the construction process, the end result will be well worth the wait. The new high school addition will offer improved facilities, modern classrooms, and a safer, more secure campus for all students.

The district encourages students, staff, and the community to stay flexible during the construction and look forward to the many benefits that the project will bring. With plans in place and the construction team hard at work, Polson High School is on course for a brighter future.