Clarkson, Neb. - Following the approval of a $15 million dollar school bond, Clarkson Public Schools has officially broken ground on a comprehensive construction project aimed at modernizing its facilities and enhancing student safety.

The initiative comes after a recent facility study highlighted the age of the existing buildings, which date back to 1951 and 1973. Superintendent and Principal Rich Lemburg noted that the construction, which began on September 18th, will proceed in three distinct phases.

The initial phase focuses on creating additional parking and office spaces to alleviate the current cramped conditions. Subsequent phases will involve the construction of new high school and elementary buildings designed to improve navigation throughout the school. The redesign addresses concerns arising from past expansions, which have led to a confusing layout for students and visitors alike.

A key component of the project is enhancing school security by consolidating access to a single main entrance.

"If somebody comes in that we are not expecting, they encounter six classrooms before they could get to an office personnel," Lemburg explained. "When you think about a school safety concern like that, that’s scary and not efficient or effective of what we want." The new design aims to mitigate these risks and create a safer environment for students and staff.

The new facilities will also expand the school's career readiness program, offering students valuable opportunities to explore various professions. The modernized spaces will support hands-on learning and skill development in fields such as agriculture, accounting, and the medical industry. Currently, Clarkson High School seniors have the chance to spend half-days on Tuesdays and Thursdays working in their chosen fields, as well as attend classes at Northeast Community College in Norfolk on Fridays.

High School Principal Lee Schneider emphasized the community's commitment to the school's future. "This is a huge beacon to show our youth and current kids that Clarkson is committed to their families," Schneider stated. "Passing this bond was no small thing to do, especially when you consider the past failure rate of bonds across the state in recent years." The successful bond passage reflects the community's dedication to providing a progressive and innovative educational environment for its students.

The elementary school is slated for completion by the 2026-2027 school year, with the high school portion following in 2027-2028. This project represents a significant investment in the future of Clarkson Public Schools, ensuring that students have access to modern facilities and enhanced educational opportunities for years to come.