BY BERNIE MIXON
The Cincinnati Enquirer
DATELINE:WYOMING -- Construction has started on a new academic wing and auditorium at Wyoming High School, forcing changes to the normally quiet campus. When students return to class on Jan. 4, the most visible change will be the closure of a loop drive off Pendery Avenue. There will be alternative drives and walkways.
During construction, students will have to deal with noise, dust, mud, and other inconveniences that come with improving an existing building.
But beyond renovating buildings, the construction and renovation project is viewed as an investment in the future of the school district. "We need to be able to compete for the new residents and staff we are trying to attract," said Superintendent Ted W. Knapke. "From a (academic) results standpoint, the school is able to do that very well. We've reached a point where potential residents were comparing our facilities with the new ones built in other communities." In May, voters approved a $24 million bond issue that will allow improvements to be made not only at the high school but at all buildings in the Wyoming school district.
Improvements at other buildings include infrastructure upgrades and the addition of an elevator at the middle school. But for now activity is focused on the $13 million renovation and construction project at the high school.
When school closes for the year on June 4, the building will be "gutted" with just the exterior walls of the building remaining. Permanent classroom - hallway walls will be constructed along with additional restrooms, wider hallways, new lockers, updated labs and more access to technology.
"The biggest impact is the fact we are adding 25,000 square feet to the academic section of the building and that enables us to revamp most of the interior of the high school," Mr. Knapke said. "It will provide a much better environment and learning and access to technology."
The size of the cafeteria -- which also can serve as an annex to the lobby of a new performing arts addition -- will double. The performing arts addition will be almost 25,000 square feet.
In addition, lighting, heating - ventilation, electrical and plumbing will be upgraded.
Interior renovation is to be complete by January 2000.
Until then, the school will be sharing classrooms, supplies and equipment, school officials said. The new media center and auditorium will be used as temporary classrooms.
The 1999-2000 school year will begin after Labor Day (Sept. 8) to allow the construction to be completed and renovation work to continue.
For now the focus will be on getting around.
The entrance for cars is off Springfield Pike into the municipal parking lot. A new loop drive will be constructed in the back of the property.
"We understand the first day or two will be some confusion until everyone gets re-established about how to get here," said Principal Ken Baker.
