High School Project Release

The Maryville R-II School District will be asking voters to approve a No Tax Increase Bond Issue on Tuesday, April 8, 2014. The approval of this issue will allow the district to address a variety of district facility needs. Included in this project are several planned new construction components including; Performing Arts Center (High School Campus), Auxiliary Gym (High School), and Kitchen/Cafeteria (Elementary School). Additionally, the district will be completing renovation projects of some existing facilities such as: relocating the main office at the high school to the west side of the building and enhancing the security of our entry ways at each of our four school buildings. One of the areas of emphasis with this project is the new Performing Arts Center. Included in this is a planned renovation of our existing fine arts classrooms and improved storage areas. “A Performing Arts Center would be greatly beneficial to students wishing to pursue careers in a variety of performing arts. Currently, the students enrolled in Drama, or those performing in plays and musicals are not necessarily college and career ready for this field as our facilities and resources do not allow for the number of performances and the knowledge of stagecraft and technical theatre. Our students entering these fields are at a disadvantage compared to students coming from other schools” says Jacqui Conn MHS Drama Instructor. The new facility will be used for vocal music, instrumental music, drama, speech and debate, and the student body as a whole for class meetings, large group testing, and assemblies. It is anticipated that the facility will be in use for portions of over 150 school days. Additionally, the district will make the facility available to the public through a defined user agreement with an accompanying fee structure. Jackson Zimmerman, a graduating senior, says “The Fine Arts Theatre could benefit all of Maryville. The students would enjoy the performance area, plus we could rent out the area to make it available for dance recitals, meetings, ACT testing, and guest speakers.” Our community has seen a steady rise in student interest in the performing arts. Thanks to programs like Maryville Young Players, Maryville students are continuing their growth as performers. There were over 100 students involved in the production of Grease this year at MHS. As you might imagine, the scheduling of practices was very difficult with the gym schedule requiring practice time for the play and basketball practice for both the boys and girls programs. A second area of emphasis on the High School Campus will be the addition of an Auxiliary Gym. This new gym will be located on the south end of the existing building. By adding this gym, the students at Maryville High School will be provided with additional practice space. Currently, it is very difficult to manage the number of practices and activities that take place in our competition gym. Many students in band, drama, and athletics have to arrive for practices as early as 6:00 a.m. or come as late as 8:00 p.m. Grant Hageman, PE Instructor and Girls Basketball Coach, says “Having two gyms available will allow teams to have more time slots available for scheduling practices and games. It also will allow teams to not have to have late night practices or before school practices as frequently.” Another benefit of having the

auxiliary gym will be the much needed addition of indoor practice space. With multiple outdoor sports going on in both the fall season (soccer, softball, football, cross country, tennis, golf) and spring season (track, golf, baseball, tennis, soccer) weather conditions bring about many days when practices can’t be held outside. The additional indoor gym space would allow for our student athletes to continue their development of skills. The plan also includes relocating our existing weight room that is currently in the multi-purpose building near the football stadium. The weight room will be created by renovating an existing storage facility and reshaping the current art room. This renovation will prevent our students from having to exit the building for any of their classes. At the present time, we have students each hour of the day walking from the main building to the multipurpose for physical education classes. This is done rain or shine, regardless of temperature and reduces concerns related to safety and security issues as well. With the additions and renovations of the athletic spaces our student body will be able to easily access all of their needed facilities in a safe and timely manner. The final component in the high school project plan is to relocate the main office of the building to the west side. Currently, the high school office is in the center of the building and all visitors enter through the east side. By relocating the office to the west side, we will be able to make it clear to visitors where the main entry is for our building. The change will also include the ability to have improved security at our point of entry. The plan calls for implementation of a double entry door system that allows people to enter one set of doors that limits entrance into the building without first going through the main office. We also will be able to unify our student support services personnel. The Administration, Counselors, Athletic Director, School Resource Officer, and School Counselors will all be located in the same proximity. The existing office will then be renovated over time in to a Spirit Shop and concession stand for our many indoor activities. For comprehensive information related to this project or other components of the No Tax Increase Bond Issue, please visit www.maryville.k12.mo.us, or follow us on Facebook at Maryville R-II 2014 Bond Issue, or follow us on twitter at #r2mcfe .