Renovation Complete
A renovation project at Butler Senior High School has improved the form and function of the 60-year-old building on Campus Lane.
The project, which began over the summer along with a paving project at the senior-intermediate high school complex, involved relocating the administration offices to the front of the building where the library was located, moving the library to where the offices were located, moving the guidance office to the administrative office area, and building a new main entrance.
The project is complete except for a few punch list items.
Principal John Wylie said the work is beautifully done, and he appreciates the improved function that the renovations bring.
“Of the two biggest advantages, No. 1 is the security of the building,” Wylie said.The school didn't have a main entrance, and security wasn't part of the design when the building was constructed. Visitors used to have to walk through halls with students present when they went to the administration office, he said.The new entrance and relocating of the office resolved those issues, he said.The new office location makes it easier for staff to take disruptive students to the guidance office, he said.“It's beautiful. It puts a wonderful first impression out there, but function is the main thing for me,” Wylie said.
The new library contains space for small group project areas, but a small book storage area.Many resources are available to students online, but the library contains more than 10,000 volumes, he said.The initial project cost was $2.52 million. The school board awarded contracts for general construction and electrical work in May. Change orders totaling $114,000 increased the total cost to about $2.63 million.
