Construction is underway on a new wing at Keokuk High School. It will provide more space for the fine arts department.
The 8,000-square-foot music wing is being built as an addition to the school’s science building, which is located on Washington Street.
Principal Adam Magliari said the new music wing will consist of two ensemble rooms, a room for the school’s band, another room for the choir, an auxiliary room, office space, and storage.
“Everything our fine arts department needs will be in that wing,” Magliari said.
He said the addition will provide much-needed space for the 75 students who participate in the school’s band and choir. He also said the expansion has been something the school district has wanted to do for years.
“Our students are thrilled,” he said. “It’s been over 30 years since we they had a new practice facility. Most people don’t know it, but our show choir is in our cafeteria. That affects every student in your building.”
The district anticipates construction will be completed by November. The money for the $4 million project comes from the SAVE Fund, which provides sales tax revenue for school infrastructure improvements throughout Iowa.
“It’s a long time coming,” Magliari said about the project. “And it’s going to have an effect on practically every student in our school.”
Tri States Public Radio produced this story. TSPR relies on financial support from our readers and listeners in order to provide coverage of the issues that matter to west central Illinois, southeast Iowa, and northeast Missouri. As someone who values the content created by TSPR's news department please consider making a financial contribution.