The Worthington Schools Board of Education meeting held on February 26, 2024, focused primarily on the ongoing construction projects within the district, particularly the renovations at Thomas and the upper levels of the school facilities.
The meeting began with a discussion about the anticipated disruptions for students due to the construction. Officials expressed confidence that the impact would be minor compared to previous projects. The presentation highlighted the phased approach to renovations, emphasizing the importance of understanding each stage independently.
Randy, a key speaker, detailed the plans for the upper level of the school, which will be addressed first. He explained the creation of "swing space" to accommodate the construction needs. This involves removing bleachers from the gymnasium early in the process to provide workspace for teachers and other temporary uses. The diagram presented illustrated how various spaces, including the library, will be repurposed during the renovation phases.
The construction will begin with the science labs, progressing in a clockwise direction through the upper level. Once the upper floor is completed, the focus will shift to the main floor, starting with the green area, which includes the office space. Significant portions of the project include renovations to the gymnasium, auditorium, and the addition of a new library.
The meeting concluded with a promise of visual updates from Mike, who will provide images of the ongoing work, followed by a session for questions from board members and attendees. The board emphasized the importance of keeping the community informed as the project progresses.