Davenport schools want to hear from the public this week. That's when the district is launching a series of community meetings. The workshops will look at plans for extensive renovations at Davenport Central High.
The first session takes place on April 16 at 6:30 p.m., in the Central cafeteria. Five more sessions will follow on April 30, May 14, May 29, June 11 and June 25.
There's always something in the spotlight at Davenport Central's auditorium. From a variety of student performances shining on stage, to workshops, seminars and speakers. It's really a hub of community activities.
And like a lot of century-old structures, it's about ready for the final curtain.
That's why the school district is diving in to introduce a $21 million project. Funded by the Local Option Sales Tax, it will replace the school's pool and auditorium with state of the art improvements.
The school hopes to break ground about a year from now, with everything complete by the 2016-17 school year.
"We have first class students," said Rob Scott, Davenport Central principal. "We want to provide the facilities that make them feel like what they are, and that's first class students."
The swimming pool reflects a need for change, too. Its size and shape just can't compete with modern swim meets.
Public meetings will help Davenport Central get the best projects for the best prices.
"We want to hear everything that the community, staff and students have to say about both the pool and the auditorium," said Operations Director Scott Martin.
Projects that call on Central's tradition while keeping up with the times.
"Maximize all of our opportunities for all of our students, whether it be recitals, musicals or the play," Scott said.
"We're going to accomplish something special on the Central campus with the addition of both of these facilities," Martin concluded.
They're preparing to shine the spotlight for another century at Davenport Central High.