Science is fundamental to a student’s education. They learn a vast array of knowledge, from the intricacies of biological life to the movement of the stars in our universe.

As reported by The News-Herald, Superintendent Chad VanArnhem said, “There’s so much flexibility in this space.” This allows teaching staff to better personalize lessons for students. 

Science teacher Alexandra Ardo added, “I’m very much a personalized learning kind of teacher. A bigger open space where we can add in rotations where they can be up in the classroom part while there are students actually doing a lab.”

“Over the last several years, other renovations and repairs took precedence in the high school.” commented Ted Roseberry, director of operations for Orange City Schools, “We replaced roof trusses in the media center, auditorium, commons, and indoor pool while also making significant upgrades to those learning areas to better accommodate students and staff.”

However in 2019 and 2020, after a pause during the Covid-19 pandemic, the District decided to move forward with this project.

Board president, Scott Bilsky remarked, “This project has been discussed for many years. It is our hope these facility upgrades will serve the needs of current and future Orange students for years to come. “

First built in 1924, the original Orange Schools building received renovations and additions over the years which ultimately led to the inclusion of an auditorium, varsity gymnasium, and other athletic areas in the 1950s. When the original building was replaced with the current high school in 1973, those areas were retained. One of the larger spaces being repurposed in this renovation is the girl’s locker room, built in 1957.

“It was like ‘walking back in time’ when you went into these areas of the building,” commented Roseberry. “The old locker room was large with a lot of wasted space, but now we can put all of it to good use.”

By providing a variety of new training spaces, the District hopes to improve the entire athletic experience.

“We will have a more professional environment and a clean, crisp-looking environment for our students, bringing them into the modern age,” said Dr. Campbell. “All team sports have something to gain from the new upgrades. We’ll have better-allocated space for our teams in all seasons. Hundreds of student-athletes will benefit from our facilities.”

The District is spending $3.87 million on the project, which they have been saving for renovations of this sort through the District’s Permanent Improvement fund.

The new secure vestibule at Orange High School showcases the school’s entrance. Since the building is wide, it has been difficult sometimes for visitors to identify the main entrance. The vestibule serves as a focal point for the building and provides a greater presence on the site. It is also easier to control access for students during the morning and evening. A separate guest entrance will be used during the school day for visitor sign-in.