by Mari Radtke
The original 1960s high school building recently received a much-needed refresh! A full renovation of both wings provides a space ready to usher in the next 60 years of students. The new elementary addition is designed around a “neighborhood” concept that integrates collaborative spaces, flexible furnishings, natural light, technology, and hands-on learning.
Dan Barkel, MMCRU School Superintendent described the project as “a long road.” The extensive remodeling and reconstruction at both the Marcus High School and the Marcus Elementary School have been an estimated 3-year project. The $20 million bond request was denied at its first attempt by Marcus, Meriden and Cleghorn voters. It passed on its second attempt. The bonds are funded solely through property taxes with a little help from PPEL (a property tax levy and SAVE, the one cent sales tax, for 20 years.
The design phase took about a year, according to Barkel. The construction began in the summer of 2021. The project fell behind “due to lack of construction steel. That lengthened the process considerably,” stated Barkel. “Fall of 2023 was the original due date for completion.”
Three projects remain before punch-list work begins: 1) Installation of the elementary playground on the east side of the elementary building and includes a basketball court that wraps around the elementary building; 2) the road between the elementary parking and the baseball field needs to be poured; 3) the Industrial Tech facility needs to be completed. “They are working hard on that. It’s why the construction equipment is still in the parking lot. We are hoping [to complete] by April or May,” said Dan Barkel.
The high school project began with stripping the buildings down to their bones and then stating from scratch to rebuild them into the new facility it is today. The project included all new HVAC, plumbing and wiring. A surprise need to replace the sewer line in the south part of the high school building added both time and cost to the project. “You only get one chance to fix things like that. Do it right when you have the chance,” said Barkel. The new energy efficient windows, which are a beautiful aesthetic design and structural feature, give much needed daylight. The energy efficiency created by the new infrastructure will save the district a lot of money on utility expenses.

Elem Hallway

Elem 5

Elem 4

Elem 3

Elem 2

Elem 1

The block walls and hallways of the high school have been replaced with collaborative and flexible learning environments, along with modern classrooms. New science labs, an upgraded music suite and a new fitness center “were included in the transformation.”
A new main entrance on the south side of the gym holds the administrative wing and serves as the main lobby for all school and athletic events.
The old elementary building and parts of the area originally build as junior high were demolished and completely rebuilt. Replacing classrooms and hallways are three different “neighborhood” concepts, PK-1 and 2-5 along with a special education pod. Each neighborhood is built around the “maker-space” area. Maker-space is a centralized area for art and science projects that allows students the freedom to let their creativity flow. Here, students are free to “build, create and experiment. Each pod integrates collaborative spaces, flexible furnishings, natural light, technology, and hands-on learning.” The pod design adds up to an environment that fosters creativity and critical thinking skills. The spaces are flexible and make it easier to meet each students learning needs.
A brand new auxiliary gymnasium is part of the new elementary school. An old weight room has been repurposed into a new library. A 4th grade classroom is now a new music room.
The Little Royals Daycare was also built. The school district is landlord to the independent daycare facility. It is spacious and creates an environment where learning and playing opportunities are created to prepare the youngest for a smooth transition to school.
The costs of the project rose during the project life, some quite significantly. Final costs won’t be known until all projects are complete.
Barkel said, “It’s too soon to tell if these projects have had any impact on enrollment. Our enrollment has been stable with a bit of an increase. But at least we are competitive now.”
Grades 5-8 attendance center is located in Remsen. Upgrades in that facility scheduled for the summer are remodeling the aduitorium with new seating, stage, sound and house lighting. The north locker rooms are being redone. The bathrooms west of the competition gym are getting remodeled. The band room flooring is being replaced and general painting and sprucing will give junior high students an inviting new learning space in the fall of 2024. SAVE funds (sales tax dollars) will be used to pay for these improvements. No vote is needed for a district to use SAVE dollars.
Mr. Barkel extends his thanks to the MMC community for their support and their patience throughout this ordeal. “It’s been messy and inconvenient,” he said, noting the parking inconvenience particularly. He added, “We’re looking forward to it being finished.”