Construction of a new Eisenhower High School in Yakima continues, aiming toward a fall of 2013 opening.

The school first opened its doors in 1957 with Eisenhower occupying the east wing of the building and Wilson Junior High the west wing. At that time, the building was designed for a capacity of approximately 1,300 students.  Today, Ike's enrollment nears 2,000.

Aside from a small classroom addition in 1986, there have been no major improvements made to Eisenhower since it was originally built. Issues facing Eisenhower include:  infrastructure reaching end of useful life (heating, ventilation, cooling, electrical power); inadequate systems (telecommunications, technology support, security, safety); and inadequate teaching spaces (both insufficient in number and out of date).

Jim Wright, Construction and Planning  Principal for Eisenhower High School, was a guest on Wednesday's Mike Bastinelli show. He gave a construction update and talked about how new facilities will be developed during the Davis High School remodel.

Click this player to listen to the interview.

Part One

Part Two

Part Three

Visit the Yakima School District construction page here.

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