Phase One of Forest Park updates underway

During the research phase of the major renovation of Forest Park High School, Southeast Dubois County School Corporation Superintendent Dr. Jamie Pund found a pamphlet from the high school’s dedication ceremony.

“It was from a dedication ceremony from 1977,” said Dr. Pund. “And I’m looking at pictures from that pamphlet, and not much has changed since 50 years ago.”

So, in 2022, as the corporation began planning updates and renovations to the high school, those first steps were difficult.

“At the start, the process felt very overwhelming, confusing, messy, and we just didn’t know what to do because our needs were so great,” Dr. Pund explained during the groundbreaking ceremony held on Friday. “A very messy starting point turned into a vision which then became a reality.”

Work has already begun on the first of four phases of a $45 million comprehensive renovation to the high school. In this first phase, the school will add a new cafeteria and kitchen facility and also renovate six classrooms, the Family and Consumer Science Classroom and the classrooms that house the grades 7 through 12 art classes.

“Today marks the start of the first of four phases of this renovation project,” said Dr. Pund during the ceremony. “Over the next several years, we’re going to see a lot of changes, a lot of improvements here at Forest Park.”

The renovation project represents the most significant facility improvements since an addition was completed in 1996. School officials emphasize that aging infrastructure has created uncomfortable learning conditions for students and staff.

The goal is to have the new addition completed by next year. The cafeteria is being built first so that in the next phase, the 1950s-era section of the school can be demolished to make room for new classrooms. In future phases, the corporation will also construct a new gymnasium, renovate the performing arts areas, including the auditorium, band room, and choir room, create new student service areas and administrative offices and update the mechanical and HVAC systems in the school.

Students from various grade levels and all the schools in the corporation participated in the groundbreaking ceremony, sharing their perspectives on the upcoming changes.

“On behalf of my class, I want to share how appreciative we are for the new cafeteria being built,” Savannah Scherzer, Forest Park freshman class president, said. “I can confidently say all of the updates to the school have been long-awaited, so we couldn’t be more excited.”

Ella Rea, a seventh grader who will be a freshman when the new cafeteria opens, looks forward to the enhanced dining experience.

“I’m excited to eat lunch with my friends in a fresh and new space,” Ella said. “I think it will create a more positive environment for everyone at our school.”

The renovation project extends beyond just the high school students currently enrolled. Younger students from Cedar Crest Intermediate also attended the ceremony, expressing enthusiasm for the facilities they will eventually use.

Lexi Pund, a sixth-grade student at Cedar Crest Intermediate, highlighted the long-term impact of the improvements. “We are excited about being the first group in the new cafeteria,” Lexi said. “Most of all, we are excited about what these upgrades will mean for our community and for future students for many years to come.”

Even elementary students recognize the significance of the project. Ayla Breitweiser, an incoming fifth grader, appreciated the district’s forward-thinking approach.

“Even though I won’t be at the high school for a few more years, it’s really exciting to know that when we get there, we will have updated classrooms and a new cafeteria to enjoy,” Ayla said. “I think it’s awesome that our school is planning ahead for future students like us.”

During her remarks, Dr. Pund acknowledged the extensive collaboration required to bring the project to fruition, recognizing multiple stakeholders who contributed to the planning and implementation process. The school board of trustees received particular recognition for their dedication and for the countless hours they spent in work sessions and board meetings.

“Our community is very fortunate to have five very dedicated, student-centered individuals who are devoted and have spent countless number of hours in work sessions, board meetings, working together to make this possible,” Dr. Pund said.

The renovation builds on recent improvements to athletic facilities with the creation of the Best Home Furnishings Stadium, which has generated positive student feedback. The corporation hopes to replicate that enthusiasm as construction moves into the classroom and learning spaces.

“Over the past few years, we’ve made significant improvements to our athletic fields,” Dr. Pund said. “And one of the coolest parts of this process has been hearing from our kids, hearing their joy, their excitement, and how happy they are about our athletic facilities and what it means to them…We’re excited to take this process and transformation into the classroom and create better learning spaces for them.”