Palmyra Chamber of Commerce Tours Renovated Palmyra High School

By Ella Aguilar

The Palmyra Chamber of Commerce met at Palmyra High School, where members toured the campus and viewed the recent renovations completed across the district.

Last year, the district the public approved and $8 million dollar bond issue.. Superintendent Jason Harper and the Board of Education chose to delay immediate spending to allow time for thorough planning. During that period, the district invested the bond funds, earning an additional $400,000, along with $200,000 in interest.

The resulting $8.7 million was allocated to a series of major upgrades throughout the district’s facilities:

•Elementary School: All remaining asbestos tiles were removed, galvanized steel piping was replaced, and LED lighting was installed. The building also received a fresh coat of paint.

•Middle School: A secure main entrance was added, and the galvanized steel piping and water heaters were replaced.

•High School: The east side of the building underwent a complete renovation, including new LED lighting. The former locker room space was transformed into a state-of-the-art Home Economics classroom with four student kitchen stations, an instructor’s kitchen, and large crafting tables for sewing and design projects.

•The former FACS room and art room were relocated and expanded. The new art room now includes space for pottery wheels, kilns, storage, and multiple sinks, fulfilling requests from the art department.

•The kitchen facilities were consolidated into one central location, eliminating the need for staff to move across campus to access coolers or dry storage.

•The alternative classroom now includes a private student restroom and easier access to secluded parking.

•The main gym lobby was redesigned with new flooring, ceilings, a large Panther logo mural, and a 65-inch touchscreen display featuring all yearbooks dating back to the 1960s.

•The concession stand was upgraded to include secure storage, eliminating the need to transport supplies daily.

•The gymnasium received new flooring, paint, an updated audio system, new scoreboards, and bleachers.

•Varsity locker rooms were completely renovated, featuring private lockers with combination storage, new bathrooms and showers, a private coach’s office, and 65- inch TVs for game film review.

•Public restrooms near the gym were expanded, doubling capacity from three stalls to six in both the men’s and women’s facilities.

The district has also outlined future projects for the remaining $1.7 million in bond funds, including:

•Renovation of the tennis courts, with bids opened on October 14.

•Continued installation of LED lighting in remaining district buildings.

•Construction of a new elementary playground.

While the district has budgeted for contingency funds should bond money run short, Superintendent Harper stated he does not anticipate requesting additional funding from taxpayers.

Harper also reported that the district’s reserve balance currently stands at 49.7%, placing it in strong financial condition as improvements continue.

When asked about current challenges, Harper noted a decline in enrollment as larger classes graduate and smaller ones enroll. He acknowledged the growing number of students choosing homeschooling or private education but said the district is exploring partnerships with the state to provide online schooling options, ensuring more educational flexibility for local families.

The next Palmyra Chamber of Commerce meeting is scheduled for Monday, November 11, where members will continue discussions on community development and local partnerships.