SBHS Receives a Makeover

Post date: Aug 17, 2016 3:7:26 AM

As 2015-16 school year ended, renovations got underway to improve the Sturgis Brown High School facility for the 2016-17 school year.

Cody Cline, staff

Much like a house is constantly being updated and repaired, schools receive constant care and uptake to keep it looking clean and fresh. In preparation for the 2016-17 school year, construction is underway at Sturgis Brown High School (SBHS).

Over the past several years, SBHS has received updates, such as new water fountains and remodeled bathrooms, to keep the school looking fresh. This summer, however, the school is receiving a new look with a more centrally located administrative office, a new look for the Commons Area and coats of paint on the main building. Additional improvements include a new practice soccer facility adjacent to the practice football field, a reshaped classroom in the back building and other teacher room relocations, an office where the Resources Officer’s door will adjoin to Assistant Principal Chad Hedderman’s office. Hedderman will also have a door connected to the lobby.

In addition, the school nurse as well as student services and athletic director personnel will be moving into the front offices. Staff members’ work room and conference room are also to be moved into the remodeled area.

One of the most prominent changes to the high school was the relocation of the administrative offices. Replacing classrooms one through four, the new placement of the office has provided a bright, clean, new location, according to Head Administrative Assistant Pam Gies. Other positives aspects include new furniture, a view of the parking lot and a more centralized location within the school.

With the centralization of the office, administrators have a tighter grip on security.

“The location of the office will create more security for students coming to and from the building throughout the day and it will be more centrally located toward the entrance,” SBHS Principal Pete Wilson said. “Students who arrive after 8:05 a.m. will no longer have free access to the building and will have to come through the office. That is one way security will be beefed up.”

Security will also be improved by requiring visitors to enter through the office.

Wilson said, “Parents and community members will come straight through the offices once school has started and we can direct them where they need to go. Work is also being done on other policies to increase security.

“The relocation of the office not only will provide for more security, but it will also be more aesthetically appealing,” Hedderman said. “The commons/entry into the high school is the first impression visitors see and we want it to represent the high standards we have at Sturgis Brown High School. Visitors will also not have to search for the main office when they enter the high school.”

The expected end date for the approximately $550,000 to $600,000 project is August 19, 2016.