### Groundbreaking

Despite the threatening clouds, the rain held off for Glencoe High School’s groundbreaking ceremony on Wednesday, June 5, held in front of the school. The band led off the event, and the Crimson Choir provided a beautiful rendition of the National Anthem.

The ceremony was led by incoming ASB president Kaci Cadiz, who is looking forward to the progress of construction during her leadership tenure. She noted the last renovation was 20 years ago, when she wasn’t even born yet!

Principal Claudia Ruf expressed her thanks to the community and voters for support of the bond, which enables a $41 million investment toward rejuvenating the school.

Kim Strelchun, a School Board member and parent of Glencoe alumni, outlined how the breadth of the bond renovations will benefit not only the Glencoe students and staff, but the general community as well, and will accommodate increasing enrollment as the area grows. 

Andrew Goodwin, the incoming ASB secretary of state and an event organizer, stressed the importance of investment in the arts programs, including the new auditorium seating (no more squeaking during performances!) and installation of interior band equipment storage.

Students Bella Martinez and Avari Alcaire commented on many of the renovations that will benefit students in career-technical education programs, the sciences, and more. The new weight room will provide more space for workouts, and the cafeteria addition will allow students to eat and socialize together, promoting school community.

Teacher Beth Morgan recalled helping out in her mom’s classroom when her mom was teaching at Glencoe in 1985. Ms. Morgan since graduated from Glencoe and is now teaching there—in the same classroom, which hasn’t changed since her mom’s tenure! Ms. Morgan remarked how the bond projects will go a long way to providing enhanced safety and revitalizing the educational environment. 

Glencoe’s bond project will add 23,000 square feet for a new media center, classrooms, office spaces and secure entry vestibule; as well as a second, 7,500 square-foot cafeteria area. Expansions and renovations to Glencoe’s commons area and career-technical classrooms and spaces also will be constructed. Parking lot/drop-off improvements include a traffic light and both left and right turns from the student parking lot to Glencoe Road, enhancing the safety of pedestrians and vehicles. More natural lighting and repainting will help to revitalize the school as well.

Project staff for the bond project's additions and renovations include BLRB Architects, LCG Pence Construction (general contractor) and Cornerstone Management Group (project management).