While Phase 2 construction began at De Soto High School several months ago, it may seem like not much has been accomplished. Here is a detailed report as to what the construction workers have been working on, and what is up next.

What has been done:

The concrete for the northern part of the expansion has been poured for the gym floor, mechanical room, wrestling and training rooms, the teacher workroom and a large portion of the new hallway.

Two courses of cement blocks have been laid for the walls of the gym. This is the foundation for the rest of the walls to be put up.

The majority of the ground work has already been completed.

What’s up next:

Since two courses of cement blocks are already in place, the next step is to keep adding to this and build the walls.

Over spring break, workers will be allowed to start on the current wrestling room. This will give construction workers a jump-start on the reconfiguration for plumbing as part of that space will become rest rooms. This process involves part of the floor being cut out so pipes can be run. The new storage room and the new classroom will also be a part of this.

Also over spring break, electricians will be allowed in the existing gymnasium to prepare for the installation of a new lighting system. This means that there will be new lights for graduation in May. If everything works out, there will be a brand new sound system for the ceremony as well.

Minor set back:

Since a portion of the expansion is being funded by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, workers are waiting on the final notice from the state of Kansas so they can break ground. However, this notice could come any day now.

The good news:

The mild weather this winter has allowed the project to be ahead of schedule.

“This has been an incredible winter. The fact that they have poured almost 400 yards of concrete in January is incredible. That is very uncommon,” Principal Dave Morford said.

While it might appear that not much has been done right now, once the masonry walls start to go up, students and staff will really be able to notice the changes.