Although we got a break from school during summer not everyone did. Construction has taken a huge stride towards renewing and adding new additions to our soon to be renovated building. I got the opportunity to speak to Principal of Kilbourne, Mr. Thomas, about his hopes, worries, and excitements for the place where we learn. He informs me “We had about 10 million dollars worth of construction over the summer. Most of it consisted of the first floor. So art and technology, all those classrooms, the competition gym, which just finished, the kitchen and commons, the senior entrance, special ed classrooms, the competition gym, and the kitchen. That does not include the wrestling room and music classrooms.”

Excitement And Hopes

Mr. Thomas touches on his favorite parts of  construction witch we haven’t even seen yet. Mr. Thomas notes “My favorite part is going to be the outdoor eating area. So we’re calling it right now informally the Student Union.” He hopes it will become a space will students can eat of course, but also outside of school sports teams and have team dinners or other extracurriculars can meet. A very multi-purposeful space open for all. He continues to express “Then having the library right next door to the commons, I think will be advantageous for students  who maybe want a quieter space to study while they’re eating”

Concerns

Mr. Thomas only has one concern for the students while construction is going on. The transitions upperclassmen have had to experience. As I ask Mr. Thomas if he is worried about freshmen coming in to Kilbourne while construction is going on. He says freshmen come into high school with little expectations what he’s really worried about is how upperclassmen go from no construction to lots of construction in the middle of their high school experience. But, he says he’s gotten a lot of positive feed back and sees it not affecting much. When I asked him about the distractions construction might be causing he responded with “The short answer is: Yes, I think the construction is distracting. However, I don’t think it has been disrupting in a manner that is large scale. The disruptions were isolated and temporary. We were able to provide feedback to the construction company and they adjusted. Sometimes it was immediate and other times it took a couple of days. There is definitely a struggle with learning while we are in construction.” This shows how the staff sees the struggles students are having but they address it immediately and make adjustments. 

To end my conversation with Mr. Thomas I asked if he got a say in building designs and he voiced “I think I did have a say, maybe more influence than  decision making.” But he is happy with where we are headed and the feedback he has been receiving.