In 2021, voters approved a $35 million dollar referendum, called, “Safe Schools, Safe Kids.” Bierbaum required building additions and interior modifications to accommodate their increasing enrollment, and enhance safety and security measures.
While the original 1961 building had been modified several times, a facility master plan was developed that identified the need for two early childhood classrooms, five grade-level classrooms, a larger music and art classroom, and a dedicated STEM classroom for the upper grades.
The building code also required the construction of a tornado storm shelter that would house the entire occupancy of the building. In addition, it was determined that the existing administrative area of the school was undersized and was not able to support the expanded facility.
As the project developed, the need to keep the building fully operational during construction was requested which led to two construction phases. Phase 1 required the demolition of the present administrative suite, the health clinic, and two early childhood classrooms. Phase 2 included demolition of the present library and the construction of the new 31,900 square foot classroom/library media center wing.
Despite challenges such as rocky terrain and limited usable acreage, the district proceeded, with the new school designed to replace an aging building, which would be repurposed for early childhood education and storage.
Understanding that early childhood students demand a different type of learning environment than their elementary school peers, the City of St. Charles School District established criteria for their new facility that was based on sensory learning, movement, imagination, and nature.
The new high school addition provides spaces that are flexible and have more than one function. Moveable walls, reconfigurable furniture, shared faculty offices, and multi-functional spaces create a 21st century learning environment in a smaller footprint.