Sitework is projected to begin this summer on the new high school facility of the 2025 bond project. The new building is expected to be completed in the summer of 2028.
The community passed a $105,395,000 bond last May for the construction of a new high school, security upgrades for the elementary, and updates to other school buildings in the district. The facility plan boasts upgraded structures and extensions, including a much larger Ag shop, dedicated cosmetology space (with outdoor access for clients), computer science and robotics areas, a future educator training zone, and a much larger culinary arts classroom with a bistro connected to the auditorium. The CTE classrooms will possess a “learning on display” design, which would exhibit the students’ learning activities through a wall of open glass; research is being done into fortified glass and safety areas for students.
“I believe that the new school will provide more space for students to be creative, especially in the culinary arts wing,” culinary teacher Adrianna Orona said. “Having the bistro and other facilities will give students an opportunity to know the business side.”
Included in the fine arts department, the building will include a new state of the art auditorium with a black box theatre, support spaces to encourage a high-level theatre program, and 40 percent more seating. The designs also harbor a new band hall, featuring separate spaces for jazz and concert bands, individual practice rooms, and improved locker space. The district will be able to host both Band and One Act Play competitions.
“I’m extremely impressed that they were able to take care of so many of our needs with the first draft,” head band director Russell Holland said. “We will be on the high school campus only seconds away from your next class! No more getting rained on!”
The school’s layout will include modern design elements and two stories of classrooms. The parking lot will be extended to the entire front and north side of the building to accommodate for the spaces built over. The cafeteria will incorporate three different microwave stations (around 12 microwaves total) in its layout, along with a designated courtyard for outdoor seating and booth tables. A collaboration space will be added, allowing students to complete cooperative projects in an isolated setting. It will consist of small rooms of plush seating and comfortable workspaces, with glass walls for easy monitoring.
“I think the students, teachers, and other staff members are going to be very excited about the new building,” superintendent Joe Craig said. “It is scheduled to open in time to start the 2028-29 school year, making this year’s Freshmen the first graduating class and this year’s sixth graders the first group of Freshmen.”
The designs, created in collaboration with an advisory committee of more than 20 teachers, parents, and community members, hold capacity for 600 students to support the district’s growth. The building is projected to increase the district’s attractiveness, raising the possibility to once again become a 4A school in the future.The existing building will not be displaced. If the structure shows promise and an improvement in education, the Junior high will be the next large project. Updates will be added to the bond section of the Fairfield isd website.
“A new building represents new energy, new possibilities, and an opportunity to build on traditions as well as new traditions,” principal Sonya Gibson said. “Overall, the excitement comes not just from the new building itself, but from the new opportunities, memories, and the legacy that will begin there.”
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