UHS students give building improvements a straight A

One of the largest construction programs in the history of Utica High School
is getting a straight A from students.

"When you are improving the school, you are improving the learning
environment," said junior Erin OConnor.

UHS is now finishing up its second summer of a multi-year building
improvement program. When classes begin in two weeks, UHS will have three new  science rooms in the place of the former media center, overall improvement to  the building's infrastructure, and upgrades to the school's first-floor hallways
and student lockers.

"I'm excited about the improvements," junior Tiffany Khoury said. "Change is
fun."

The construction work at UHS is funded through a bond issue approved by
voters in 2009. Prior to this year, improvements already in place include the
relocation of the school's wrestling, fitness and weight rooms to the former
pool area. The fitness and wrestling areas were renovated into classroom space
and corridors.

In addition, the main offices have been moved to the west side of the school.
The new office area includes a restricted entrance to improve overall building
security and create a clear entrance to the high school.

Construction is still continuing on the largest portion of the project - a
new media center facing Shelby Road.

Students said that they believe the changes will have a direct impact on
their academic success.

John Wierzbicki, who will have an AP Chemistry course in one of the new
science rooms, said: "The changes mean that we will have better equipment. The
better equipment will definitely help create a better learning environment."

The Utica High School renovation projects realize a commitment made by
district to create greater equity and parity among school facilities through the
$112.5 million bond issue approved in 2009.

In addition, the Utica High School project is made possible with assistance
from a federal grant that will save UCS taxpayers more than $10 million in bond
costs over the next 15 years.

Under state law, bond issue funding can be used for capital improvements and
not to offset operating expenses.