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At 50 years old, the Eisenhower High School for the Decatur Public School District was physically worn, and functionally ineffective. The school district conducted a community engagement planning process to determine how best to meet the current and future educational aspirations of the community.
How do we renovate a dated, physically worn, and functionally ineffective facility to develop an environment that supports student achievement and engages students in their learning?
The school district conducted a community engagement planning process to determine how best to meet the current and future educational aspirations of the community.
Through this, 100% of the existing building was remodeled, and approximately 10% of additional program space was added to complete the transformation. New program spaces such as a recording studio, media bars, and fitness and wellness areas were added, which naturally engage students.
- Award of Distinction, Exhibition of Educational Environments: IASB/IASA/IASBO 2014 Conference
- Small group spaces
- Active learning space
"It was very important to the families and community members of the District that the renovated facilities demonstrate a collegiate atmoshpere where students could participate in collaborative learning activites. Our high school renovations exceeded the expectation of our students, staff, and community."
- Lisa M. Taylor, Former Superintendent, Decautr Public School District 61
With an already thriving program, the planning of this facility and its location needed to be tightly knit into other district programs, such as athletics and general education. A key consideration was also the ability to expand program offerings in the future, through enlarged facilities and features which could include on-site gardens, crops or additional livestock support.
Faced with outdated high school facilities, an extensive community engagement planning process identified and assisted in prioritizing needs; ensuring a successful plan.
Despite facing significant obstacles, including a flood-prone location and limitations on modifying existing structures, the district persevered, eventually resulting in a groundbreaking new building addition that redefined the school’s entrance and functionality.