The dust has barely settled on another school year at Shelby Public Schools, and it is being stirred up again in preparation for next school year and for school years to come. Phase III of the district’s bond-related infrastructure renovations is underway, and when all is said and done, renovations at the Shelby Middle School will be under $3.5 million.
Monday, June 9 was the students’ last day. June 10 was the teachers’ last day and by June 11 construction had begun. The project is estimated to last all summer, with a target completion date of August 25.
“We are so excited to bring some much-needed renovations to our middle school, which is the oldest building in our district! A fresh, updated space will bring new energy and pride to our building, and our students and staff absolutely deserve that. A refreshed and updated space lifts spirits but also reinforces our commitment to excellence," Shelby Middle School Principal Jessica Danielson shared. "Research consistently shows that the physical environment plays a critical role in student learning, well-being and engagement. With these upgrades, including enhanced safety and security features, we’re ensuring that every student has the best possible space to thrive. Kids are our business, and creating an exceptional learning environment will always be our top priority.”
The bond, originally passed by Shelby voters in May of 2021 for a total of $33 million, involved a three-phase district renovation project.
Phase I saw the completion of the new Shelby Elementary School on North Oceana Drive in December of 2023 for a total of $23.3 million. The new elementary school building features state-of-the-art classrooms, a library, a gym and a tiered outdoor playground area. The district's main kitchen is now located in the new building and also features a secured entry. The new construction was completed in December of 2023 and students took occupancy in January of 2024.
Later in 2024, Phase II of the bond reconstruction project, totaling $1.1 million, saw renovations in three other district buildings. The Early Childhood Center had a new office area and secure front vestibule entry constructed, along with establishing more green space with the possibility for expanded play options for students. Also, two academic wings at Thomas Read were demolished. According to Superintendent Mark Olmstead, the Thomas Read gym is still heavily used for athletic practices and is currently being used as an assembly/staging area for the district’s summer meal program.
Phase II also included safety and aesthetic upgrades to the inside of the Shelby High School building, including new paint and carpet throughout, furniture in the offices and media center and sound and lighting updates in the auditorium. Outside, the athletic stadium underwent track resurfacing, reconstruction of the long jump/pole vault areas and drainage work. Some asphalt and concrete work was completed in Phase II, as well. Additional parking lot work is scheduled to take place sometime this summer. The total for this part of Phase II was $3.7 million.
Now Phase III of the district’s renovation project will bring much-needed upgrades to the oldest building in the district - Shelby Middle School. Originally built in 1963, the middle school will be undergoing extensive remodeling in the coming 80 days. When students return this fall, they will find many changes greeting them on their first day back.
“The school district is very thankful for the ongoing community support, as bond funds continue to be used to refurbish and upgrade the spaces that support student learning. I am pleased that the community has empowered the schools to contribute to the progress occurring in our area,” Olmstead shared.
Renovations to the outside of the building will include a completely new and secure front entrance and office area, a repaved visitor parking lot and a refurbished school sign. Inside, students, families and the community will find that every area, except the kitchen and cafetorium, has received some sort of upgrade.
According to Danielson and Olmstead, all classrooms will be repainted and receive new carpeting, the library will undergo a complete “facelift,” the 7th and 8th grade wings will receive all new lockers and refurbished restrooms, while the 6th grade wing lockers will be repainted. The gym will be fitted with new bleachers, making it possible for volleyball matches to be played on the main court. Roof repairs, along with concrete walkways and repaved asphalt areas around the building, will take place as well.
Olmstead wanted to make sure the community knows the Adolescent Health Center will remain open this summer, however, it has been moved to the Thomas Read office while the middle school is undergoing renovations.
As for the status of the now vacant New Era Elementary School, Olmstead said the board and administration are still exploring options for future use of that building.
“We’ve tried to be conservative with bond funds as we moved through each phase. As we close the bond out, we might be able to do some smaller projects on our wish list, we’ll just have to wait and see,” he concluded.
