Davis High School to get Face-lift

Davis High School is the latest facility in the Yakima School District to get a face-lift. That's on top of construction already being done at Eisenhower High School and Stanton Academy. Our News Partner KIMA Action News reports Davis is preparing for a $97-million renovation. Over the last few years, the student population outgrew its capacity. The district also has structural concerns with the building. Improvements will bring larger classrooms, a bigger gym and a new performing arts center. "The classrooms that we have are well under the state standard for classroom size," said Yakima School District Construction and Planning Principal Jim Wright. "The technology capability is very very low in this building." The project will bring a lot of activity to the area. Other additions include a new three-story math and science building across the street. The school district bought several properties around Davis to make room. The school district has already demolished one building. The last two are expected to be torn down next week with phase one of the construction to start this fall. The work at Davis, Ike and Stanton will cost more than $200-million combined and bring local jobs. The renovations at Davis will take several years and will leave this school unrecognizable from the way it looks now. Administrators say students won't be effected by phase one of the project on the new science and math building across the street. That is expected to be finished next summer.