Pocatello High School renovation moves forward
Contractors will move forward with planned improvements to Pocatello High School.
According to the district, the first phase of renovations will include remodeling the front entrance. The work will include an accessible main entrance to centrally located administrative offices in compliance with the Americans With Disabilities Act.
Other project goals include improved student safety by connecting the main building with the auditorium and gymnasium areas, ADA accessibility to the main and upper floors of the high school and new areas, additional classrooms and a commons area to accommodate increased student enrollment, and remodels to alleviate lunch room congestion in the basement cafeteria.
In a news release, the school board said the design would provide accessibility, classrooms, and security while preserving the historic significance of Pocatello High School.
Plans for the instructional and commons area are in the concept and design phase and will be released when the plans are finalized.
Hummel Architects was selected last September to design the project. $4.5 million was set aside to pay for the project at that time. An additional $500,000 was approved in January.
On Tuesday, the board approved transfer of $2.5 million from the general fund balance of the school plan facilities fund. That brought the total in reserve for the project to $7.5 million. Because of advance planning, the board said the work would not require a bond to complete.
