School District’s Construction Completed

Story by Jonathan Shepard

Sunday September 10 marked the end of an expensive and extensive remodeling of Riverview Middle School. This was the day of the open house, where the Superintendent, the Governor, and many other speakers came to unveil the renovated building.

The new gymnasium at Riverview Middle School is fit to hoast many new activities. Photo by Richard Merz.

Part of an $18.3 million district-wide facility improvement program, Riverview’s changes were the most thorough. Coming in at just under the projected $11.5 million, Riverview’s final changes were: the destruction of the old gym, the addition of a new, higher-quality gym, a wheelchair-accessible front entrance, and the new cafeteria and commons area. Heating/cooling issues were also addressed, as well as infrastructural repairs, plumbing, classroom space, and the replacement of electrical equipment.

The additions and demolition cost just over $5 million, and the renovation/equipment cost over $6.5 million. Fortunately, the projections were higher than the final cost. “I’ve been real pleased,” said Superintendent Clark Reinke, “real pleased we were able to come in slightly under budget.”

If one were to see the school from the outside, all of the changes might not be so obvious. This was because the School Board wanted to preserve the historical significance of the building. Preserving the architecture was an important factor in deciding what should and shouldn’t be changed. “One of the keys is we wanted to maintain the architectural integrity,” said Reinke. He felt that “the value of the school was placed in the building,” and that now it has become “much more functional.”

In addition to the Riverview construction project, minor changes were made to all of the other district schools, namely the High School. The auditorium got a new sound system and new seating; repairs were made in the sidewalks and throughout the building, the tennis courts were repaved and repainted, the school now has a much nicer pool, and a remodeled amphitheater.
Reinke felt that the improvements better reflect the Plymouth School District. “I think it sends a powerful message,” said Reinke. “I’d like to say thank you to the community.”