DALTON — Dalton High School will soon open the doors to its first addition to the main building since the school was built in 1976.
“Obviously, the 1976 building has served us well for decades due to the planning and vision of thoughtful community leaders,” said principal Debbie Freeman. “I think in 30 years the same will be said as our new addition allows us to expand not only the physical space but also in program areas such as career-technical and in the use of technology.”
A new wing that has been under construction since September 2008 will open this fall in time for the start of school. The culinary arts program is getting an upgrade including a new commercial kitchen. The wing also includes six computer labs, six science labs, a 27 new instructional spaces and a lecture hall large enough to seat more than 200.
Meco Builders of Chatsworth is building the $13.5 million addition and renovations, funded mostly through education special purpose local option sales tax. The new wing at DHS adds 63,000 square feet to the original building. The $13.5 million includes some already completed renovations to the existing building, where the dining area was remodeled last year.
“I am grateful that the community has provided our students with these new classrooms, and we look forward to providing tours when the wing is fully open this fall,” Freeman said.
The number of students in the school system continues to grow.
In the 1990-1991 school year, there were 3,810 students in the city school system. By 2008-2009, there were 6,729, and more than 6,800 attend there this year. Superintendent Jim Hawkins said there are no plans to build another high school in the district.
Since the school was built, it has grown by more than 600 students to more than 1,600 this year, and administrators have added JROTC, computer and special education programs, all of which require more space to operate, officials said.
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Dalton High School addition
• $13.5 million project
• Expanded cafeteria and cyber cafe
• Dining room annex to expand mealtime seating
• 27 instructional spaces, including six computer labs, six science labs and a commercial kitchen cooking lab for culinary arts
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