For the entire 2016-2017 school year, the construction of the new S-wing has been the focus of Carlmont High School’s renovations. However, smaller projects have been taking place around campus.
Administrative Vice Principal Grant Steunenberg said, “We have had the locker room renovation, the student union renovation, upgrading the accessibility to the senior parking lot, new bleachers, and now we have the weight room expansion.”
The weight room renovation is the most recent, with construction taking place on the basketball courts adjacent to the weight room and boys locker room.
Funding for the renovations comes from bonds that are passed by local voters and allocated by the district.
Steunenberg said, “The S-wing is one project that a large chunk of the money we were allocated went to. With the leftover funds, we were able to see what other projects we needed to do.”
Carlmont is an old campus and many areas need renovation.
“There is an ongoing list of the things that need to be upgraded because [Calmont] is an old school,” said Steunenberg.
Student response to the projects has not been all positive, with complaints about noise and dust. Some have even been forming their own opinions on what needs to be improved around campus.
Sophomore Patrick McDonough said, “I think the walls are oppressive, the color scheme is super ugly, and there are no fun or bright colors.”
Some students feel that portions of the stairs and hallways on campus are awkward and should be the focus of future renovations.
“There are a couple of things in E-hall that are not quite right, so I think E-hall needs to be renovated,” said Deep Joshi, a senior.
Despite the ample student feedback, much of what is requested has already been noticed by administration but is not the top priority.
Steunenberg said, “As far as student input, we don’t get much student input because a list already exists due to the age of the campus, and we already know what needs to be fixed.”
With such a large campus, prioritizing what renovations to do can be an issue.
“What’s going to give us the biggest bang for the buck? What project can serve the most amount of students best?” said Steunenberg.
