In Photos: Jefferson Middle School Renovations Complete

Officials from the Lakeview Public Schools community gathered this week to celebrate the completion of renovations and improvements to Jefferson Middle School.

The project, which was delayed due to the wet spring, enhanced building security and created a new office complex which brought together attendance, social work and administrative personnel who were spread throughout the school.

Principal David Lavender was appreciative of the Board of Education, and the community, for supporting the project which created a more "functional" and safe facility.

"To have a singular entrance, to monitor who is coming in and out of building, creates an enhanced security," Lavender added.

The new office complex, and secure entrance, were part of $3 million in improvements to the middle and high school which were funded from a variety of sources including the remainder of the 2007 bond money, general fund and fund balance.

Additional improvements to the 950-student middle school included turning the former teacher lounge and office into a classroom, and expanding the cafeteria to better handle the growing student enrollment.

Work crews previously replaced four tennis courts—which had cracked foundations—with eight courts. The parking lot was also expanded to include a drop-off lane which alleviates traffic on Rockwood.