by Maki Bennett, Courtney Fennell and Tony Lofton, Jr.
After two and a half years and 32 million dollars, Phase 5 of the school renovation is scheduled to end this fall.
Assistant principal Katy Noah is the administrator in charge of the renovation. She said Phase 5 included the parking lots, gym, band room, sidewalks and canopies. The completion of the renovation had previously been scheduled for August.
“Anytime you have a construction job as big as this, you are going to run into some snags and unforeseen circumstances,” Ms. Noah said.
Plant maintenance supervisor Gary Blow said the renovation completion date was pushed back two months due to the large scope of work in Phase 5 and multiple problems with water and sewer pipes.
“In terms of construction, we can see the light at the end of the tunnel,” Mr. Blow said. “Dealing with the renovation has been very painful and stressful. It has been a learning experience, and I’ve learned I would never do it again.”
Torri Pierre, ninth grade health and physical education teacher for five years, said before the renovation the gym classrooms were small and failed to meet the needs of her students.
“I feel like I can teach again and not have organized recess,” Ms. Pierre said. “When you’re in a clean, nice environment, you are going to want to be in the nitty gritty of school and learning.”
Changes to the gym include three newly designed classrooms, the addition of a balcony fitness room, movement of the coaches’ offices to the rear of the gym, a renovated lobby with concession area and new showers and restroom facilities.
Senior KeRon Dixon said the new parking lot is more convenient than parking across the street.
“It seemed like they knocked Varina down and put new buildings in the same spot,” KeRon said. “I like it more now, but I always had pride in the school.”
Robert Johnson, senior drum line member, said the band facilities look better and are more organized. The band room is smaller, the hallway no longer exists and soundproofing and additional storage have been added.
Although the majority of the renovation will be finished this fall, contractors will continue to work on campus installing new bleachers in the gym, completing the construction of the canopies and reviewing punch list items from all phases of the renovation.
Ms. Noah said that the new school campus is well worth the 32 million dollars spent on it.
“I’m excited just to have a fresh face and school that the community and staff can be proud of,” Ms. Noah said.
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