Good morning/afternoon/evening, Knights!
We wanted to reach out with a few updates about the construction of our new high school, answer some questions we have heard throughout the community, and remind everyone that additional information is available on our district website.
We understand that a project of this size naturally brings questions, and we want to make sure our community has access to accurate and timely information throughout the construction process.
Construction Update
If you have driven by the high school site recently, you have probably noticed that demolition of the old high school has been completed. Once demolition was finished, site work began to prepare the property for construction of the new building.
During that site preparation, an engineering firm determined that approximately 12 inches of unsuitable soil existed within the footprint of the new school. That soil needed to be removed and replaced with suitable material capable of supporting the construction of the building, including the footings and precast walls.
Prior to construction, the district did have soil borings and testing completed. However, the area in question was located within the footprint of the existing building and therefore could not be accessed and tested at that time.
The additional work resulted in approximately a two-week delay. Working closely with CORE Construction and the site superintendent, adjustments have been made to the construction schedule so that work can continue moving forward and progress can be maintained.
With the soil replacement completed, construction of the footings has begun and significant progress has been made over the past several weeks. This week, the masonry crews have begun mobilizing in preparation for block work, which is expected to begin soon.
One of the important features of the new high school will be a storm shelter designed to meet applicable requirements. The masonry work will begin in that area, located just east of the gymnasium.
In addition to the footing work, storm drains have also been installed across the current parking lot.
Starting to See the Building Take Shape
Samples of the precast finishes were recently delivered, allowing us to confirm the colors and textures that will be used on the building. The precast walls are currently being constructed and are scheduled to begin arriving on site in October.
Although there has been a great deal of work happening, we recognize that it can be difficult to see the progress because so much of the construction to this point has taken place at or below ground level.
That will soon change.
Once the precast arrives and the walls begin going up, we will all have a much better visual of what the new high school will look like. We are excited to reach that stage of the project and to watch the vision become a reality.
Exciting times for Knight Nation!
What Is Happening on the West Side?
Another question we have heard concerns the work taking place on the far west side of the property, where the old football field was located.
There are two primary purposes for the work in that area.
First, the district is extending the existing parking lot. Over the years, we have consistently seen the need for additional parking, particularly during extracurricular activities and other events. With the opportunity presented by this project, we felt this was the appropriate time to address that need.
Second, a detention basin is being constructed in that area. The basin will help manage excess precipitation and stormwater runoff, helping prevent that water from negatively affecting neighboring properties or other areas of the school site.
We hope that provides some clarity for those who have been curious about the work taking place on that side of the property.
Stay Informed
We encourage everyone to visit our district website at www.cusd305.org. In the upper-right corner, you will find a Construction Updates tab. There you will find videos, photographs, frequently asked questions, and other information related to the construction of our new high school.
We hope these resources provide you with a better understanding of the project and the many steps involved in building a new school.
Most importantly, please continue to ask questions.
We encourage community members to reach out to Mr. Shannon Cheek with questions or if you would like an opportunity to tour the construction site. Several community members have already taken advantage of this opportunity, and we have genuinely enjoyed visiting with them, answering their questions, and providing information about the project.
If you would like to schedule a site visit, please email Mr. Cheek at cheeks@cusd305.org or call the district office at 217-543-2511.
We appreciate your interest in the project, your questions, and your continued involvement in our schools and our community. We will continue to provide updates as construction progresses.
Thanks for taking the time to read this update, and as always—
Go Knights!