PESHTIGO, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – Nearly one dozen shovels dug into the ground Wednesday to mark the start of improvements to the Peshtigo Middle and High School.
A $40 million referendum from last fall is making the upgrades possible. School officials say it has been a long time coming.
“There was truly an effort to focus on the needs, the educational needs of the students, but also seeking that community input,” said Peshtigo Schools Superintendent Patrick Rau.
The renovation includes a new commons area along with four new classrooms.
The chemistry classroom is among those getting an upgrade with new lighting and fixtures.
The current shop classroom is also slated for upgrades, adding additional space and allowing students to use machines that are computer operated.
School officials say they also plan on adding a robotics program.
Although a new gym is also being built, the current gym will still be put to use.
Construction on the new gym started this week.
“When we would have special events, like we would have a prom dance, a homecoming dance — that shuts down the only gym that we have in the building,” said Superintendent Rau.
Taylor Wortner is a Peshtigo sophomore. If all goes to plan, she will be able to practice in the new gym during her senior year.
“Once we get the new gym, it’ll be so much easier for practice facilities. Just number one thing I’m excited for is the gym.”
Other students, like senior Christina Powers, will have since graduated but are still excited about the project.
“The school does so much for the community in general. So, even when I’m an adult, if or when I come back here, I can still go to sports games. I can still enjoy this building even though I’m not a student.”
All construction is expected to be finished in time for the beginning of the new school year in the fall of 2026.
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