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Central High School opens new facilities for school year

Burlington Central Unit District 301 debuted new facilities this week, including a renovated library, new classrooms and modern weight training and cardio fitness areas at Central High School.

"It has like a college feel," Superintendent Todd Stirn said of the high school's renovated library.

Six new classrooms were added for music, computer-aided design, computer lab, health and dance/multipurpose use.

The fitness area - equipped with 24 exercise bicycles, treadmills, elliptical and rowing machines - "rivals some collegiate exercise areas," Stirn added. "The students were just amazed. They loved it."

These improvements are part of the first phase of upgrades to the school - costing roughly $6.6 million funded through debt certificates that will be repaid through impact fees from new construction.

Construction on the second phase is underway. It includes a 12-classroom addition and a new field house - opening in August 2018 - as well as renovation of the school's parking lot and kitchen and other classroom enhancements, such as new furniture and flooring. That part is being funded through a $22 million loan approved by voters in November 2016.

The upgrades are meant to accommodate enrollment growth at the high school - expected to reach 1,200 students by the 2019-20 school year.

"We are very excited to see our students utilize these spaces," Stirn wrote in his welcome note to parents. "This is an exciting time at the high school and for the district as a whole."

Districtwide enrollment has increased by more than 100 students since last school year for a total of 4,166 students. Roughly 40 new staff members were added, including a new director of K-8 curriculum, Shayne Birkmeier, Stirn said.

Other projects completed over the summer include new paving at Prairie View and Lily Lake grade schools. Air conditioning was installed at Central Middle School so all district buildings now are cooled.

  A new cardio fitness area at Central High School in Burlington will be used both by athletic teams and physical education classes. Rick West/rwest@dailyherald.com
  A modern weight training room is among the new additions at Central High School in Burlington. Rick West/rwest@dailyherald.com
  Central High School opened new facilities this week, including their remodeled library media center. Rick West/rwest@dailyherald.com
  New desks at Central High School are easily moved because of casters, can be nested tightly against a wall when not in use (seen in the top of the frame), and feature whiteboard tops on which students can write. Rick West/rwest@dailyherald.com
  Central High School Principal Chris Testone shows off the nearly completed alumni hall Wednesday at the Burlington school. Rick West/rwest@dailyherald.com
  Central High School's logo is cut into the machines in the Burlington school's new weight room. Rick West/rwest@dailyherald.com
  Central High School opened this week with new and improved facilities, including classrooms and modern weight training and cardio fitness areas. The second phase of construction includes 12 additional classrooms and a field house, which will open in August 2018. Rick West/rwest@dailyherald.com
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