Taylor High School will be renovated using existing $130 million bond funds

Taylor High School will undergo a major renovation rather than a complete rebuild, according to plans presented to the public on Thursday.

The district approved a $130 million bond in 2021 to construct a new high school and career center. During the design phase in 2022, officials determined that the available funding would not cover the full cost of new construction. After surveying voters, the board decided to modernize the existing structure instead.

The proposed redesign includes a new library, separate wings for science and arts, and upgraded classrooms. The plan also calls for the creation of east, north, and central courtyards. Ninth graders will have dedicated space within the building. Classrooms will feature lockable storage casework and movable desks to support flexible learning environments.

Safety improvements form a core part of the architectural changes. The design separates building wings with lockdown doors to isolate specific areas. Security offices will be distributed throughout the facility to allow staff to respond more quickly to incidents. Superintendent Mike Wegher cited two recent fights at the school as evidence for the need for better security infrastructure.

Wegher emphasized that the current hallway layout contributes to unsafe conditions. He stated that a simplified floor plan allowing for better sightlines will help staff maintain order. He noted that the ability to see through open spaces is a key improvement over the existing configuration.

The district has selected The Collaborative as its architect and Barton-Malow Builders as its construction manager. The project will proceed in eight distinct phases. Bids for the work are expected to be awarded between February and April 2027. Construction on the first phase is scheduled to start in June. The final phases are projected to be completed in December 2030.

Of the total $130 million authorized by voters, only $31 million has been raised so far through a bond sale in April 2022. The school board is scheduled to vote on the design plans and the next set of bond sales at a meeting on November 4. The district also broke ground in March on a new sports complex at the school site.