CENTRAL KITSAP — In February 2016, a construction bond measure was passed by Central Kitsap School District voters to officially move forward plans to rebuild Central Kitsap High School and Middle School.

The two share a campus; the high school was originally built in 1942 and the middle school was added in 1959. In the 2019-2020 school year, students of both are expected to attend class in new school buildings.

After months of designing and planning, the construction officially started Sept. 8, 2017. Since then, work has started, primarily on the building foundations and masonry for the gym. So far, the project seems on track for the middle school to open spring 2019. The high school is scheduled to open in the fall of 2019, in time for the 2019-2020 school year.

At the groundbreaking, CKSD Superintendent David McVicker said, “You need new schools — you all know this. What you may not realize is that your new schools are not just new schools. They represent more.

“They represent years of hard work behind the scenes. They represent a commitment to quality education. Most importantly, they represent our community’s belief in you.”

Thanks to Integrus Architecture and Skanska USA Building, the students will begin a modernized school experience. The two schools — sitting side-by-side — will total 313,000 square feet of new construction, including a remodeled gymnasium. The three-story buildings will include a large auditorium, new tennis courts and athletic fields, expanded parking and secure entryways for both schools.

The bond, approved in 2016, was for about $220 million. Skanska USA signed a contract with CKSD for $77.9 million to construct their part of the project.

According to a recent Skanska press release, “The facility will feature flexible education spaces with state-of-the-art technology that will prepare students for the careers of tomorrow. The existing middle school will be demolished with the exception of its gymnasium, which will be modernized and upgraded. The campus and its reconstructed fields will be made more accessible, providing opportunities for sports and other community events.”

McVicker said at the groundbreaking that when he pictures the future campus, “I see more than the promise of new facilities. I see memories waiting to be made. Futures shaped. Friendships that last a lifetime. These things are all ahead. And I couldn’t be more excited for you!”

Updated information for the project is available on the district website, ckschool.org.

CKSD’s other construction projects include an addition to the Klahowya Secondary School campus, expected to be completed in summer 2018; the modernization of Olympic High School, expected to be complete fall 2018; and general repairs throughout the district.

Information on each project can be found on the district website.