Technological advantages in a new High School

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Story Published: Oct 30, 2009 at 3:40 PM MDT

Story Updated: Oct 30, 2009 at 6:15 PM MDT

By Steven Pope

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REXBURG - Measuring 250-thousand square feet, the new Madison High School will essentially double the size of the old one. Which is a good thing, considering the district gained 170 students this year, and expects more growth.

"We have a capacity problem, our jr. High is at capacity, our middle school is at capacity. So by building this new high school we will be able to spread those students out and bring more students to the high school," said Russ Wilson, Director of Operations for the Madison School District.

Extra emphasis has been put on the music departments because 60-percent of the district is enrolled in either choir, band, or orchestra. That's three times the national average.

"Fine arts functions, but it will also provide an excellent venue for their students to learn and have the opportunity. Every classroom in this building has natural lighting, so we're going to open it up and make it feel more open," said Wilson.

And when the school is completed, it will have wireless internet, four wide screen televisions in the commons area, and the office will be able to control electronically locking doors.

"If we need to secure the building promptly for an emergency lock-down, we're able to do that from the office, or we can verify at night that each door is locked," said Wilson.

The main hallways are 20 feet wide so that when 1200 students leave the gym, the congestion won't be as bad as it was at the old high school.

"It is needed, the growth is continuing," said Wilson.

The new high school is expected to be finished and ready for the Fall 2010 school year.

Voters approved a 60 million dollar bond to build this high school and 2 other grade schools.

The cost of the high school project is estimated at 42-million dollars.

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