Workers across the Diocese of Charlotte were busy over the summer getting schools, including Holy Trinity Middle School, ready for students and teachers. (Troy C. Hull | Catholic News Herald)CHARLOTTE — Several schools across the Diocese of Charlotte completed summer renovations, while additional capital projects are planned and underway.
With more than $37 million slated for school improvements over the next several years, two schools completed major summer projects – totaling $8.4 million – as students prepare to return to school.
“We’re coming right down to the wire but things are looking great,” said Kevin Parks, president of Holy Trinity Middle School, wrapping up the $3.4 million first phase of a two-year renovation that will cost more than $9 million. “I can’t wait to see what the kids think about all we’ve done in a short period. Nice spaces help build a sense of pride and enhance the learning environment.”
St. Ann School
Students returning to St. Ann School in Charlotte will walk into a completely transformed learning space.
The school underwent a $5.1 million renovation that included improvements to the library and playgrounds, a new HVAC system, and new cabinets, flooring, lighting, acoustic ceiling tiles, tutoring classrooms and more.
Fresh paint brightened up classrooms, and measures to prevent water intrusion were taken. Security cameras, exit and fire safety enhancements are also complete.
“The school was built in 1955 and hadn’t received any major updates since then – except for central air,” said Principal Celene Little.
“They literally gutted the entire school – took up all the floors, took down all the whiteboards, the ceilings, the cabinets, the bathrooms. Everything is new – the furniture, the desks, library shelving, the doors. The whole school has really been transformed,” she said.
Choate Construction of Charlotte handled the construction, and project manager John DellaMea had a special connection to the project. He and 18 members of his family attended St. Ann as children.
Work began the last day of school in late May, and teachers began moving furniture back into their classrooms on Aug. 11, with help from parent volunteers.
The project was made possible by a $3.5 million grant from Shea Homes, part of the Shea Family of Companies, one of the country’s most significant supporters of Catholic education, which has ties in Charlotte.
Principal Little said $600,000 came from the Mecklenburg Area Catholic Schools system, while $700,000 was raised by the school and $300,000 by the parish.
A groundbreaking ceremony is scheduled for Sept. 29.
Christ the King High School
Christ the King High School in Huntersville is preparing to break ground this fall on a 17,000-square-foot, $12 million expansion.
President Dr. Carl Semmler said school officials were going through the last round of permitting in early August and expect work to begin by early October. The work is expected to last 12 to 18 months, with a goal of opening the new wing by fall 2026.
The expansion will include two new classrooms and a workspace for industrial design, an expanded weight training area, and a new chorus and band studio. A new entrance for the gym is being built, along with a north lobby area that will house concession stands, ticket booths and a “Crusaders Spirit Store.”
The expansion is expected to increase capacity to 600 students.
More improvements are in the future for the school, Semmler said. Christ the King is also wrapping up a capital campaign for outdoor athletic facility improvements.
Bishop McGuinness High School
Bishop McGuinness High School is breaking ground and making way for their first renovation since moving to their new location in 2001. The track is being resurfaced, and the ground will be graded to make room for six new tennis courts.Bishop McGuinness High School in Kernersville broke ground on a new athletic center July 31.
The first phase includes the addition of six lighted and fenced tennis courts. The Villain Athletic Center will also include restrooms and sidewalks.
A practice field was completed, and the track is being resurfaced and primed for paint to start off the new season.
“The new tennis courts and outdoor facilities are more than just bricks and asphalt, they are an investment in our students, and they are a reflection of our inspiring growth,” said President Dr. Jared Rashford at the groundbreaking.
Rashford said the new space will be a place where young people can grow in body, mind and spirit.
Alumni, families and supporters raised more than $500,000 over the past three years through the Spirit of Victory campaign. The $2.9 million project is the first major capital enhancement project for the school since it moved to its current location almost 25 years ago.
“This is an incredible day for Bishop Tennis,” said Tennis Coach Larry Ingram. “It has been a long process, but a great goal.”
The tennis facility means the team can practice at home.
“Hopefully, with six courts, we can keep more people and grow the program,” said Ingram. “Now, for a home match, we are going to be home – that is huge – not at a park but home.”
— Christina Lee Knauss and Lisa M. Geraci