Board of Education Approves the Schematic Design for the New JCHS

Audience watching and listening to the presentation on the new JCHS project and background.

The Geary USD 475 Board of Education has voted 5-0 to approve the schematic design and the authorization to proceed with construction plans for the new Junction City High School.

The Board vote followed a full presentation by district staff and staff members at Junction City High School that touched on subjects ranging from the history of the academy structure at JCHS to programs, design timeline and redesign vision for the school.

Board member Rina Neal expressed her appreciation to the staff for putting together the presentation. “It was long overdue. They really did a good job of explaining how we got to this point. So talking about the history of the academy structure, and why we have gone about that, and how we are trend setters and role models in the state. I think that is good for the public to know and understand, and the direction we are going.”

Board member Sara Talley felt the Board wanted a lot of clarification on the new school project. “I think

Audience members give the information presented on the new JCHS project and background their full attention.

that was offered for us this evening. And I think that’s a good thing. We definitely want to be on top of the types of decisions that we make, and the clarification that was afforded us by the high school allowed us to be able to have some questions answered. I think we were able to also offer the public some more information.”

JCHS Principal Melissa Sharp said the staff gave the Board background on the academy timeline and bond timeline, and that the staff has been working on this project for awhile, ” and just understanding what goes on between the walls of Junction City High School every day.” By the end of the meeting it appeared those in attendance were all on the same page on understanding the project and where it’s heading.

Architect Troy Hertel said the design of the new school will now be taken a lot further into development. “Over the summer months we want to spend that time to really take this schematic design, take it into what we call design development, and really enhance the design and come back to them in the fall and review this again with them.”

The new Junction City High School project is moving forward.