As the county grows, so does enrollment in the schools. Recently, the administration noticed an increase in the enrollment of middle school students, and to accommodate this, the decision to expand the middle school was made. 

“It is about a five hundred-seat addition, which will really let us grow for many years to come,” Superintendent Doug Straley said.

Classrooms aren’t the only thing expected within this new addition to the middle school, there’s much more to be expected.

“The new addition will house middle school classes that are currently in the learning pods,” middle school principal Amanda Harper said. “Classrooms, an agricultural shop and a cafeteria will be added.”

With this expansion, plans are to equip the school with brand-new technology. By the end, Central Office plans to have the entire division ungraded.

“There are a lot of traditional classrooms that are going in, but they’re what we would call traditional classrooms of the future,” Straley said.

Two demonstration classrooms are available at the middle school and six are set up at the high school to give guests a peek into these classrooms of the future. Across the entire division, projectors have been upgraded for a brighter display. A 65 inch television will be added to each classroom as well that can mirror the projector.  

“We’re trying to provide a mechanism for teachers to engage students in the classroom by providing additional technologies to do that,” head of technology David Childress said. 

Middle school teachers have a positive attitude towards the new expansion. Teachers say that the ability for smaller classes will benefit the students. 

“Personally I think it is a great opportunity for the school to grow,” Swain said. “I am excited about smaller class sizes which will allow me to work with students more effectively.  Moving my classroom would not be ideal, but I believe positive change produces positive results.”

The expansion is aiming to be completed by late 2025 and be open for students in 2026.