At first glance, it might seem like a quick fix—put up some walls, install a few doors, and suddenly there are more classrooms. But when the building in question is 50 years old, things get a bit more complicated. School renovations are costly, time-consuming, and often disrupt

learning. There are several technical steps beyond just construction that should be considered when renovations are on the table.

Take the HVAC system, for example. These systems were originally designed for large, open areas, not enclosed classrooms. If walls are added, the air circulation setup needs to change. That means rerouting ductwork, adding air diffusers to the new rooms, and installing or moving thermostats to make sure each space stays at a stable temperature in our middle schools.

Then, there's egress to consider. That’s the code-compliant way people need to be able to exit our schools in case of an emergency. When new classrooms are created, exit routes need to be rethought. Hallways may need to be widened, doors might need to be repositioned, and

everything has to follow current safety standards.

Electrical and lighting updates are another factor. A school from the 1970s wasn’t set up for the power demands of today’s classrooms. Creating new classrooms usually involves installing more outlets and lighting, sometimes even upgrading panels or running new wiring. All of this must be handled by licensed professionals and meet current building codes.

Changes to the layout of our middle schools also impact the fire suppression system. Sprinkler heads will need to be added or moved to maintain proper coverage. Fire alarms, both sound and visual alert systems, must be positioned correctly based on the new room configurations. These updates also need to be reviewed and approved by safety inspectors.

Technology is part of the equation, too. Adding walls can weaken Wi-Fi signals so that new access points will be needed. Ethernet ports and data drops also have to be installed in locations that fit the new layout, and cables need to be carefully routed behind walls or above ceilings.

Before any of this work can even begin, plans have to be drawn up by a licensed architect. Engineers, whether mechanical, structural, electrical, or fire protection, are brought in to make sure all systems work together properly and meet code requirements.

Probably the most important consideration is the timeline. A renovation of this scale can't realistically be completed in a single summer. Construction work would likely overlap with the school year (possibly multiple school years), meaning areas of the building could be under

construction while students are present. That can disrupt learning, limit access to certain spaces, and require adjustments to daily routines for both students and staff.

In the end, renovating a 50-year-old building to create classroom spaces isn’t just a construction project. It involves coordinating multiple systems and professionals to ensure the result is functional, safe, and up to date.

Can it be done? Yes. But all of these factors need to be considered and weighed before any work is done.