Since the beginning of December, the daily routine for students and faculty members at Knoch High School has undergone significant changes. Previously occupied by numerous parking spots, there is now a substantial excavation site enclosed by construction barriers.
In the coming years, this excavated area will evolve into a new extension of the high school, constituting a vital segment of the Knoch School District’s $39 million renovation project.
Ken Stapchuck, the district’s director of buildings and grounds, has outlined that the high school’s expansion will incorporate a cafeteria, kitchen space, a STEM lab, and a redesigned main entryway. Repurposing the current cafeteria area, a new indoor track and weight room will replace its former function.
Further modifications involve the expansion of the current science hallway to accommodate additional specialized science classrooms. Stapchuck explained the layout alterations, stating, “The plan is to remove this wall, and this entire area will be transformed into science rooms. We’ll relocate the hallway to the exterior wall.”
The renovation project includes a facelift for the high school auditorium, the establishment of a wellness center, and the introduction of a theater classroom.
Stapchuck expressed satisfaction with the ongoing developments, noting, “Everything is progressing smoothly. Both students and teachers are accommodating the changes well. This marks significant progress, and there’s an air of excitement among everyone involved.”