Gateway Middle School renovation makes progress

On Feb. 16, 2021, Gateway School Board approved the renovation of Gateway Middle School. Nineteen months later, the project has passed its halfway point.

Prior to the renovation, fifth- and sixth-graders and seventh- and eighth-graders were separated between Moss Side and Gateway middle schools. Administration found that when the students switched schools, average performance and grades were dropping. This discovery began the idea to expand one of the buildings to fit grades five through eight under one roof.

“We wanted to provide an up-to-date, modern facility,” said the district’s superintendent, Dr. William Short. “One of the reasons educationally, through research and data, is that any time there is a transition, there’s always a drop in academic performance.”

The district defines a transition as any time students move between schools. Before the renovation, Gateway students were moving three times throughout their academic journey.

Gateway Middle School’s building was constructed around 1952 and Moss Side’s circa 1960. Both buildings have had a few updates here and there over the years, but nothing compared with the project currently underway.

“Both were reaching the point where they needed complete renovation,” said Short. “Some rooms didn’t have air conditioning. Parts of the buildings needed new roofing and overall a technology update.”

The original plan for the renovation was to attempt to sell the nearly 27-acre Gateway Middle School property and expand Moss Side Middle School. However, the property was unable to be rezoned for commercial use and was unable to be sold.

All middle school students are currently attending Moss Side with the assistance of portable classrooms.

The project has stayed on budget despite over $2 million in net change orders during the last 18 months. The change orders have mostly been dedicated to opting for lasting materials that will provide students with a durable learning environment.

One change order, Short said, resulted from the decision to install terrazzo floors.

The initial flooring option was a vinyl tile, which would have been less expensive upfront, but looked to add extra costs in the future for upkeep. The longevity of the chosen flooring can be proved when looking at Gateway High School hallways. According to Short, the building was constructed in 1957 and still has the same terrazzo intact from its construction.

Four different classroom wings have been added to the middle school to accommodate the two grades being added to the building. There have been improvements made to the cafeteria, gym and auditorium, and new lighting has been installed throughout the structure. A new office area and auxiliary gym have been added, as well.

Fortunately, the renovation has remained on schedule. Administration was able to order materials upfront before covid-19 hit in full force. They have suffered little delays, and Short predicts that the renovation will be done by Aug. 1.

“What’s been nice is the availability of that building to be isolated away from students, staff and the public,” said Short. “The contractors are able to work. The trucks can come in and out. Delivery of materials hasn’t been obstructed. Everything is uninterrupted. It just really benefits everyone.”

The district plans to host a grand opening once the renovation is completed. Residents will be welcome to look at the additions made to the building.