Brookings School District to start summer renovation of high school science spaces; task force to plan next phases

Brookings School District 05-1 plans a summer renovation of the high school's science spaces, Superintendent Dr. Summer Schultz told Brookings Radio. Preliminary work will begin in May, and Mills Construction has been named the lead contractor for the project.

Dr. Schultz said the first phase will replace science classrooms and labs, update bathrooms, roofing, plumbing and HVAC systems. "We'll have all new science spaces, new bathrooms, roofing, plumbing, the infrastructure around it, updates to the HVAC area," she said, and acknowledged that some students will be displaced in the first quarter of the following school year while work continues.

The district intends to form a task force to analyze additional priority work at the high school, to set a timeline and to explore financing options. Dr. Schultz said community views are mixed and that the district must balance priorities and limited funds.

Next steps: Preliminary construction starts in May; the task force will recommend timelines and financing options for later phases.