Covering Dallas, Monmouth, Independence, Falls City and surrounding areas since 1868

The new pride of Panther Country

INDEPENDENCE -- Sylvia Warren says she still retains a certain nostalgia for the way Central High used to look when she was hired here back in 1993.

Large and neatly lanscaped courtyards welcome students and visitors in several places on the high school grounds.

Photo by Adam Korst

Large and neatly lanscaped courtyards welcome students and visitors in several places on the high school grounds.

Craig Coleman

INDEPENDENCE -- Sylvia Warren says she still retains a certain nostalgia for the way Central High used to look when she was hired here back in 1993.

That doesn't include the main hallway that featured one bathroom and leaky roofs, says Warren, the school principal.

But Warren has been all smiles when it comes to how the bond-funded reconstruction project has turned out.

"You know when you have a new car and you start to drive a little safer?" Warren says. "It's kind of that way with the new building.

"It's not `ghetto' like the kids used to call it," she adds. "They're proud of it and I think that benefits them in the long run."

Central High is almost ready for the start of school on Tuesday, Sept. 7. Contractors are now primarily cleaning and landscaping the building, which received its certificate of occupancy and initial completion on Monday.

"I don't think there's a finer high school in the state at the moment," says Mike Maloney, the district's bond project manager.

Much of the high school has been usable since last spring, but considerable work has taken place in recent months on the old south wing, stadium and theater.

Each of the 1950s-era classrooms have been renovated with new windows, lights, ceilings, and heating and air conditioning.

Tall ceilings, new windows and the newest classroom technology adorn all of the classrooms.

Photo by Adam Korst

Tall ceilings, new windows and the newest classroom technology adorn all of the classrooms.

The old "cafetorium" has been revamped, while the kitchen has been overhauled with brand new equipment, walk-in coolers and a commodities freezer that will store most of the district's food supplies.

All but one classroom at the high school has been outfitted with digital projectors and SMART boards -- an interactive display connected to computers.

The technology package will allow for maximum use of educational software that accompanies most textbooks now, Maloney says. Hand-held devices to be used by students for answering questions during lectures will help teachers instantly track comprehension.

"I was able to use them last year and it's invaluable to our computer classes, web design and accounting," notes computer and accounting teacher Teri Crevar of the SMART boards. "I used it just about every minute of every day."

Along with the new Panther Stadium, perhaps the most visible element of the high school is its 599-seat theater, the most advanced in Polk County, Maloney explains.

Central

Photo by Adam Korst

Central's new state of the art theater is one of the crown jewels of the remodel. Featuring multiple catwalks, a green room with live video feed and seating for 599, it has immediately become the nicest theater in Polk County and one of the nicest in the region. Students will begin getting their first look at school renovations when classes resume Tuesday, Sept. 7.

The cavernous structure includes a full orchestra pit, three levels of catwalks associated with rigging and lighting, and a green room that sports a video feed broadcasting the action on stage.

Particular attention has been given to acoustics via sound panels on the ceilings and the angles of the room's walls. A retractable acoustic shell lowers from above for use during concerts.

School pride is promoted at a gate donated by the M-I Rotary Club welcoming visitors to the new Panther Stadium.

Photo by Adam Korst

School pride is promoted at a gate donated by the M-I Rotary Club welcoming visitors to the new Panther Stadium.

"We have a sound system, but the way it's set up the whole audience could hear you speaking on stage without amplification," he says.

Warren notes that Central High's overhaul has actually led to transfers back into the school of children from private and other public schools.

"I gave quite a few tours to interested families last year who were looking to bring their kids here," she says.

Order photos
Advertising Options
Who's in Jail?
Looking for a job, car, or home?
Subscribe Today!