The idea of a brand new Junction City High School facility versus major renovations and additions at the existing career ( main ) campus has surfaced publicly for the first time.

The estimate on renovations , additions and other project that could be considered for the current building are estimated at more than $24 million. But Superintendent Ron Walker said the cost of a new high school would be in the $62 million to $63 million dollar range, with the state paying 60 to 65 percent of that amount.  “You could probably have our citizens paying about $21 to $22 million dollars” for a new high school.

This was explained to the USD 475 Board of Education Monday during a work session at the Devin Center.

JCPost sampled opinions of Board members. Brian Field said, I really think we need to take  a good hard look about whether we want to invest that kind of money ( renovation dollars ) into a building that is that old. ”  He added if the district is going to invest that type of money maybe they should just look at whether, “it would be more feasible to just start from scratch.”

Board member Dr. Anwar Khoury said all options should be looked at, renovation versus the cost of a new high school, if that’s what it takes.

Board President Dr. Ferrell Miller confirmed more information is needed. “So we can look at both sides. I’m excited that we’re going to do something for the high school.  I think it’s overdue, but I think we need more information yet before we can make a decision.”

Board member Tom Brungardt said up until now the BOE has been talking about renovation. “This is the first time that anybody has brought up I think the idea of a new building, so I think that needs to be brought into the mix. I think investing money that was built originally in 1956 may be a bit of a problem. But we have to look at the overall cost, and how we can continue to conduct business in a high school while we’re also building a new building on site. That could pose some other problems to. ”

Should the new building be constructed, Walker has expressed a preference for using the current high school campus land site. In addition to the main building there are practice sports fields to the west and northwest of that structure. That would also allow the continued usage of Al Simpler Stadium.

The plans outlined for the Board in a work session on Monday dealt with renovations and additions to the current structure. They ranged from a new commons area and kitchen areas to a new 6.500 square foot wrestling room plus parking for 120. The Library, Administration, Vocal, current Wrestling Room, Art, Culinary, Food Lab, Fashion Merchandise areas would all undergo remodeling. There would also be a new Girls Team Locker Room area.

Information on the cost of building a new school will be prepared for the Board to also review. No final action has been taken at this point.