If you have driven down Main Street over the past few months, the vertical construction of the new Sullivan High School probably has you thinking about the educational opportunities that await our students. Construction at Sullivan High School continues to progress on-schedule and on-budget.
As of June, several key milestones have been achieved. The foundation has been laid, and the initial structure is taking shape. First floor classroom interior framing and rough in has started, and masons are currently working on gymnasium shell enclosure and locker rooms spaces. This gym will support both physical education classes and the school’s athletic programs. It will include a second floor walking track, as well as a weight room that will double as a storm shelter in the event of severe weather.
Features of the school include two science labs, two technology labs, a choral room, and a family and consumer science lab space. The science classrooms will feature both class and lab space that will enable Sullivan High School to continue to offer Advanced Placement Chemistry and Biology courses. Technology labs will include a combination of computers as well as chromebooks to supplement Sullivan Schools 1:1 iPad initiative. The choral room includes elevated ceilings to allow space to learn choreography on risers, while at the same time include sound-proofing to ensure that all classrooms around it will remain undisturbed. Finally, the family and consumer science lab will have modern cook stations as well as a serving window near the gym and concession area to enable the space to be used for groups and clubs to host fundraising opportunities for the community.
To recap how we got to where we are today, conversations about the future of the century-old middle school building had been occurring for years. After recommended architect repairs were estimated at $10 million in November of 2021, community forums were scheduled to discuss possible options. Through the input of nearly 200 community members, the preference for a new high school with the middle school students moving into the existing high school became apparent. The successful passage of a referendum in June 2022 by a margin of 63.3% to 37.7% was followed by additional planning and finalization of details. After going through the bidding process, the project was awarded to Grunloh Construction with a bid of approximately $23 million in September 2023. The project includes the construction of an approximately 75,000 square-foot building, containing 21 classrooms and a gymnasium.
Moving forward, second floor interior framing and rough in is scheduled to start in August with an anticipated completion date set for late October. First floor interior finished space is anticipated to be completed in April 2025 with second floor anticipated in May 2025. Gymnasium space is anticipated to be completed in July 2025. Anticipated occupancy of the new building continues to be August 2025.
The Sullivan High School construction project is more than just a series of building upgrades; it’s an opportunity for students and the residents to enhance their academic and community experiences. With each completed milestone, this vision comes one step closer to reality. As construction continues, the district will maintain open lines of communication with the community.
