The Pleasant Valley School District held a groundbreaking ceremony Thursday afternoon for its new $87 million renovation project at the high school. Work will begin once the school year is over.

Sue Kresge, the president of the school board, thanked everyone for being present for “this milestone in Pleasant Valley.”

“This moment signifies the beginning of what we’ve been working toward for quite a long time. This project isn’t just about updating classrooms and improving facilities. It’s about investing in the future of our students and our community by providing them a modern, safe and inspiring learning environment. We are empowering the next generation to reach their full potential,” Kresge said.

“This project represents more than bricks and mortars, it represents our shared vision of excellence in education, a community commitment. Together we are creating a space where young minds will grow, dreams will take shape, and lifelong friendships will flourish,” she said. “Let us remember this is just the beginning. In the coming months as we watch this transformation unfold let it serve as our reminder of what we can accomplish when we work together. The best days for Pleasant Valley are ahead of us and I look forward to celebrating those successes with all of you.”

Superintendent James Konrad gave some background information about the project. He said it has taken more than two years of planning to get to that point. He said the modernized facility will have “enhanced security, improved layout, updated learning environment, new infrastructure including building-wide air conditioning, all while staying nearly $15 million under budget.”

The new figure for the overall cost of the project is now $87 million, said Tammy Smale, the school district’s business manager.

When the project began in 2022, the school district contracted with D’Huy Engineering Inc. in Bethlehem to manager the renovation. In February 2024, D’Huy was acquired by CHA Solutions, headquartered in Albany, New York. Kim LaBrake, a senior project manager with CHA Solutions, has been involved with the project since the beginning and was on hand for the groundbreaking.

LaBrake said the project will be done in seven phases that involves 200,000 square feet of renovation, 32,000 square feet of additional space created, and 12,000 square feet of demolition. The old auditorium near the current front entrance is going to be demolished to make way for a new STEAM lab (science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics).

The administration offices are going to be relocated to the area near the new auditorium, and the guidance counselors will be moved to an area adjacent to the administration staff. This will become the main entrance to the high school.

LaBrake said the first phase this summer will be light renovation such as painting, replacement of ceiling and floor tiles in the newer sections of the high school and preparing other areas for bigger projects.

LaBrake explained that in the areas where heavy construction is going on, the classrooms in those areas will be temporarily moved to the JC Mills building. The phases will run in six month time frames.

“The students won’t be living in the construction,” she said. “We all worked hard as a team to make it not only efficient for the school district, but also efficient financially.”

LaBrake said the project is expected to be completed in July 2027.

School board director John Gesiskie, who used to teach in the high school, said he thinks the building needs to be upgraded.

“I think it is a project that is well overdue. It’s going to make a much better learning environment for our students,” Gesiskie said. “There were times some of the classrooms were very, very cold, versus the summer when it was very, very warm. I’ve taught here with sweat pouring down my face, other times with my coat on.”