You might have noticed the changing landscape of Checotah Public Schools this school year as major projects are well underway and new structures are being erected. These projects are a combination of FEMA and school bond funds.
The $8,540,000 bond, which passed by 67 percent in 2021, made allocations for new safe rooms for Marshall and Intermediate Elemen- tary, two new classrooms in Marshall, 105 new windows in Intermediate School, a new Performing Arts Center with Band Room, new Ag. show facilities, new turf and LED lighting on the football and baseball fields.
One of the first projects Checotah residents might have noticed is the dirt work around the old Multi Purpose Building on Broadway. This is home to one of the safe rooms that has been constructed. The Multi Purpose Building now serves as a safe room which doubles as a cafeteria and is equipped with restrooms and with battery backup in case of power outages during inclement weather. The shelter is designed to withstand wind speeds up to 250 miles per hour. The project is complete and the last step is to sod the front and side of the building to prevent erosion.
This project is a part of a $2,139,000 combined FEMA project. 90 percent of the funds come from FEMA funds with 10 percent matching funds from Checotah Public Schools.
In addition, Marshall Elementary students now have a physical education room that also doubles as a safe room, also equipped with restrooms and battery backups.
Also included in the elementary project was a new concrete pad outside the building which runs the water away from the building and new fencing.
Over at the High School, Ag students are already using the new 10,000 square foot show facilities. The building includes a show area, washing bays and classroom, utilities and storage areas. The last update of the building will be adding concrete floors and it will be ready by the end of Jan.
The jewel in the crown of the new construction is the new Checotah Center for Performing Arts. The building was designed by Duane Mass of Mass Architecture. Mass serves as the resident historic preservation architect and has worked on several award-winning HP projects. As the Oklahoma State Capitol Architect and Curator, he has most recently focused on the rehabilitation of the Oklahoma Capitol building.
According to Madewell, the 26,000 square foot facility will seat 762 in the auditorium, including a handicap lift to the state of the art stage. It includes a loading dock and state of the art sound panels. “This is a good opportunity for our kids-band vocal music, performing arts and drama,” Superintendent Monte Madewell said.
Guests will enter through the large vestibule area and will be greeted by the trophy case housing the performing arts awards.
Located behind the stage area are the band room and individual practice rooms. No detail is left undone.
Students will also have storage, dressing and laundry areas. Besides performances, Madewell said that this would be a good spot for other events such as Kindergarten graduation and other elementary, middle school and high school performances.
Most of the projects will be completed by the end of Jan. with the exception of the curtains for the new stage at the performing arts center.
“Our athletics and academics are getting stronger. We have quality leadership and quality educators at each one of our sites and it’s only getting better,” Madewell said.
