River Ridge High School in Lacey welcomed 1,500 students back to a dramatically transformed campus Thursday, marking a milestone in the $188 million renovation project that began in 2022.
Students required directions to find classrooms and offices after extensive construction and remodeling made the school nearly unrecognisable. The most visible change is a new wing of classrooms that replaces the portable structures that housed more than half the teaching staff during the previous academic year.
Principal Brent Whitemarsh, who greeted students Thursday morning, described the disruption of the past year when heavy machinery operated on campus whilst classes continued. “It was a little bumpy from time to time,” he said, noting the challenges students faced navigating the construction zone.
The new classrooms feature larger spaces, enhanced technology integration, and more intentional design elements. Whitemarsh expressed confidence that “they will be very effective in supporting students” compared to the temporary facilities used during construction.
Funding for the project combines proceeds from a 2020 bond issue with state modernisation funds available to schools more than 30 years old. River Ridge opened in 1993, qualifying for the state assistance programme. Some funding also supported renovations at Komachin Middle School.
Teachers responded positively to their upgraded facilities after enduring construction disruptions. Andrea Pease, a science teacher in her 15th year at River Ridge, recalled frequent fire alarm tests that sometimes occurred without warning. “It wasn’t the worst year here, but there were definitely some challenges,” she said whilst standing in her new science classroom.
Horticulture teacher David Ohrt highlighted his 20 percent larger classroom and direct access to garden space and a planned greenhouse. “The campus is a little more connected and it’s just going to do wonders for us and really build up our community,” he said.
The new library occupies a prominent position above the main entrance, featuring floor-to-ceiling windows for natural light and giant cedar beams that reference the previous facility. Librarian Angie Farley described it as “a real academic hub for the new building.”
Students expressed relief at the improved campus connectivity. Junior Ernesto Alonso described the previous year as “bad” due to crowding and blocked areas. He appreciated that facilities are now enclosed: “I’m glad that everything’s inside, not outside, so when it’s raining, we don’t get wet.”
The construction challenges required extending passing periods to accommodate longer travel times between disconnected buildings. Senior Rickey Wilbourn looked forward to the new classrooms and reuniting with friends after the disrupted previous year.
However, the project remains incomplete with work expected to continue until 2027. This extended timeline raises questions about ongoing disruptions and whether students will face additional construction challenges during their remaining high school years.
The renovation represents significant investment in educational infrastructure, though the effectiveness of the improvements will ultimately depend on how well the new facilities support teaching and learning outcomes rather than simply providing more attractive spaces.
For the Lacey community, the transformation demonstrates commitment to modern educational environments whilst highlighting the complexities of maintaining normal school operations during major construction projects.
