The mannequins that have been occupying the patient beds in Burlington High School’s occupational health lab were joined by upwards of 50 people Feb. 19 as community members gathered to mark a major milestone in the school’s $35 million renovation project.
“This (room), in particular, you can see that it’s set up like an emergency room or an emergency department. We are super excited about this,” Burlington High School Principal Monica Myers told the crowd before lifting up a giant pair of scissors to cut the ceremonial ribbon. “When our students leave, they can leave BHS with a CNA degree and go right to work at a hospital or clinic. It’s so exciting to give them that opportunity.”
The health occupations lab and the six newly renovated science classrooms, each with their own lab, surrounding it have been in use by teachers and students since the start of the second trimester.
“I love my new classroom and lab space,” BHS science teacher Heather Hayes said. “In my old room, I had to share lab space because the lab was taken out of that room.
“I also like the fact that everything works and that we have hot and cold water, safety precautions in our rooms and moveable lab tables, to change when needed for different lab situations.”
The new weightroom and enclosed walkway connecting the main
building to the industrial arts building were finished a short time after the new science wing.
After the ribbon was cut, students led visitors on tours of the renovated spaces. As they entered the enclosed walkway — also known as the link — many a visitor recalled having rushed across that same stretch between buildings when they were students, hurrying to get out of the cold, snow and rain on their way to their next class.
In the IA building, visitors were able to check out some of the equipment available to students in the metals room, including several lathes, a CNC machine, and laser cutter.
Then it was off to the weightroom, which is also used for cheerleading practice. As they made their way through the building, visitors pointed out old lockers and classrooms, but there was one section of the building they could not access.
Work on the north side of the building’s second floor is underway and is currently closed to students. Once complete, it will consist of collaboration spaces for students and updated classrooms designed with 21st Century Learning features in mind.
Future work includes the relocation of school offices to the south end of the first floor academic wing and secure entrance to the cafeteria courtyard. The space that currently houses the office space will be renovated into special education classrooms and an expanded clinic area. There will also be updates to the cafeteria and stairwells.
The project is slated for completion in 2025.
“What you’re going to see is state-of-the-art (updrades) throughout the building, and it’s going to be really exciting to see that throughout all seven phases,” Superintendent Robert Scott said.
“We’re really excited for these phases. It’s been a long time coming,” Myers said. “Technology has changed so much since this building was built originally, and all of the updates put us where we need to be educationally and give our students the advantage they deserve.”
After the ribbon was cut, students led visitors on tours of the renovated spaces. As they entered the enclosed walkway — also known as the link — many a visitor recalled having rushed across that same stretch between buildings when they were students, hurrying to get out of the cold, snow and rain on their way to their next class.
In the IA building, visitors were able to check out some of the equipment available to students in the metals room, including several lathes, a CNC machine, and laser cutter.
Then it was off to the weightroom, which is also used for cheerleading practice. As they made their way through the building, visitors pointed out old lockers and classrooms, but there was one section of the building they could not access.
Work on the north side of the building’s second floor is underway and is currently closed to students. Once complete, it will consist of collaboration spaces for students and updated classrooms designed with 21st Century Learning features in mind.
Future work includes the relocation of school offices to the south end of the first floor academic wing and secure entrance to the cafeteria courtyard. The space that currently houses the office space will be renovated into special education classrooms and an expanded clinic area. There will also be updates to the cafeteria and stairwells.
The project is slated for completion in 2025.
“What you’re going to see is state-of-the-art (updrades) throughout the building, and it’s going to be really exciting to see that throughout all seven phases,” Superintendent Robert Scott said.
“We’re really excited for these phases. It’s been a long time coming,” Myers said. “Technology has changed so much since this building was built originally, and all of the updates put us where we need to be educationally and give our students the advantage they deserve.”
Burlington School Board President Darven Kendell thanked all involved in the renovation, as well as those who came to celebrate the completion of the most recent phase.
“This is absolutely phenomenal,” Kendell said. “There is no better building in Southeast Iowa or probably the Midwest for high school students to get their education.”
