Caddo Hills School officials discuss renovation possibilities

DEWAYNE HOLLOWAY/mcnews.online

Caddo Hills administrators, staff and board members gathered Thursday, April 23, to discuss design needs for the cafeteria and P.E. Gym upgrades.

Steven Elliott points to possible entryways in the cafeteria Thursday during a meeting held at Caddo Hills Cafeteria. – Photo by Dewayne Holloway

Superintendent Deric Owens led two meetings held in the school cafeteria. Each meeting focused on a different aspect of the upcoming renovation project. Steven Elliot, the project architect was on hand for the meetings to take questions and gather information regarding the needs and wants of those involved.

The first meeting focused on the cafeteria expansion. 

The majority of the time was spent discussing the entryway and a possible section for seniors. The expansion will include area currently filled by the stage area and an adjoining classroom.

Elliot stated that he envisioned high school students entering the cafeteria through what is now the classroom into an area that could include ala carte food items.

It was suggested that they could use the extra space where the stage is to build a separate area for seniors. This area could include booths and pub style tables. The area could also be utilized as meeting space for clubs, or grandparent day for elementary students.

There was some concern that the senior area would be counterproductive to expanding the cafeteria seating area. A glass wall would be used to separate the entryway from the senior area.

Elementary Principal Debbie Stephens asked about the inclusion of a unisex bathroom. It was determined that it would be easy to include a bathroom in the plans.

The ala carte area mentioned by Elliot could alleviate traffic through the regular lunch line. The ala carte area would more than likely require the moving of the dish washer in the kitchen to allow room for workers to travel from the kitchen to the area.

It was determined that staff and administration would visit Lake Hamilton and Mena schools to get some ideas.

The second meeting focused on the stage area in the PE Gym, as well as the addition to be built onto the gym.

The stage area will include dressing rooms with access to the stage. There was discussion about where costumes would be stored. Elliot stated that the addition would include three new storage areas which could be used for costume and prop storage. 

Seating was discussed for large gatherings. Superintendent Owens stated that he would like to have racks to store folding chairs. They also discussed collapsible seating that could be stored against the wall when not in use.

Coach James Owens asked if there was an area that could be used as a dressing area for athletes before and after practice. They discussed expanding the bathrooms to include a small changing area.

They also discussed lighting and sound for the stage. Elliot suggested the use of a portable sound table that could be stored until needed.

The classroom lost to the cafeteria expansion will be relocated to the addition to the gym. The classroom can also be utilized as a greenroom for performances and sporting events.

Elliot stated that he would have someone come and survey the property and he would get started on some preliminary drawings as soon as possible.

It was asked when the project might begin. Elliot state that it would probably be six months at the earliest for the building projects. Superintendent Owens stated that he hoped to get some of the new parking completed by the end of the summer.

“We want the voters to see some results from what the voted for.” Owens stated.

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