The Southern Boone School District completed several major construction and facility improvement projects at the Southern Boone High School campus over the summer. The work represents the district’s continued commitment to providing safe, modern and engaging learning environments while improving campus facilities for students, staff and visitors.
Projects completed during the summer included the first phase of high school HVAC improvements, upgrades to the baseball and softball complex, and the replacement and expansion of the southeast parking lot. Work also continued on the new Agriculture and Innovation Wing, a larger project that began before the summer.
“This was an ambitious construction schedule, and we are excited about what was accomplished in just a few months,” Superintendent Dr. Tim Roth said. “These improvements will directly benefit our students and staff while helping the district maintain and improve its facilities for many years to come.”
Agriculture and Innovation Wing Addition
The district continued construction on the new Agriculture and Innovation Wing on the north side of the high school. The addition includes:
Two agriculture classrooms
A dedicated agriculture lab
A large shop area
Two new art classrooms
A new Family and Consumer Sciences classroom
The project expands opportunities for students to participate in hands-on learning and career and technical education programs.
The addition was funded through the $11.6 million no-tax-rate-increase bond issue approved by voters in April 2024.
“This new wing provides learning spaces designed around the programs and opportunities we want to offer our students,” Roth said. “It gives our teachers the tools and flexibility they need to provide meaningful, hands-on experiences that prepare students for college, careers and life after high school.”
Southeast Parking Lot Replacement
The southeast asphalt parking lot near the outdoor stadium was completely replaced with a new concrete parking lot. The project added more than 40 parking spaces while improving traffic flow, accessibility and long-term durability.
The parking lot project was funded through the $4 million no-tax-rate-increase bond issue approved by voters in April 2026.
The expanded parking lot provides additional space for students, staff and visitors during the school day and at athletic contests, performances, ceremonies and other school-related events and activities. Its location near the outdoor stadium and Ashland City Park also provides more convenient parking for community members attending events and activities on the high school campus and at the nearby park.
In addition to increasing parking capacity, the concrete surface will provide a durable, long-lasting parking area that supports safer and more efficient vehicle and pedestrian movement across the campus.
“The new parking lot is an important improvement for both our schools and the community,” Roth said. “The additional spaces will help us better accommodate the large crowds attending school activities and community events while improving accessibility, traffic flow and the overall experience for everyone visiting our campus.”
Baseball and Softball Complex Improvements
Several improvements were also completed around the high school baseball and softball complex to enhance safety, accessibility and the overall experience for student-athletes and spectators.
The project included:
Replacing gravel areas with concrete walkways
Expanding the lower-level spectator area near the bleachers
Constructing a decorative block retaining wall
Improving access throughout the complex
These improvements were funded through the April 2024 no-tax-rate-increase bond issue.\
High School HVAC Improvements
Crews completed the first phase of a major HVAC renovation throughout more than half of the high school. The project included the replacement of aging heating and cooling equipment and piping, along with new energy-efficient LED lighting and ceiling tiles.
The improvements are expected to provide greater comfort, reliability and energy efficiency throughout the building. The first phase was funded through the April 2024 voter-approved no-tax-rate-increase bond issue.
Agriculture and Innovation Wing Open House
A community open house for the new Agriculture and Innovation Wing will take place during the Southern Boone Golden Eagles Club’s Fall Dinner and Program on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, at Southern Boone High School.
The evening will begin at 5:45 p.m. with a ribbon-cutting ceremony outside the entrance to the new wing in partnership with the Southern Boone County Chamber of Commerce. A complimentary dinner and short district presentation will begin at 6 p.m. in the high school commons. Following the program, community members will have an opportunity to tour the new Agriculture and Innovation Wing.
More Information: www.sbschools.us/golden
RSVP: https://tinyurl.com/2vnyvfju
Looking Ahead: Additional Facility Improvements
Facility improvements will continue throughout the 2026–2027 school year. A large portion of the Southern Boone Primary School roof and a smaller section of the high school roof are scheduled to be replaced this fall.
Looking ahead to summer 2027, the district plans to replace the asphalt parking lot at Primary School with a new concrete parking lot and complete the second phase of the HVAC improvement project at the high school. These upcoming projects will be funded through the $4 million no-tax-rate-increase bond issue approved by voters in April 2026.
“Our community’s continued investment in our schools makes these improvements possible,” Roth said. “We are thankful to our voters for supporting projects that protect our facilities, improve the daily experience of our students and staff, and position the district for the future.”