The Francis Howell (Missouri) School District has opened a new Francis Howell North High School in St. Charles.
KMOV-TV reports that the new building replaces the old Francis Howell North High School, which is now being demolished.
It was built in 1982 and had several additions over 40 years. In recent years, HVAC problems, a leaking roof and outdated classroom spaces prompted the district to replace it.
The new building offers a variety of classroom and shared spaces, including an auditorium that can serve as a storm shelter. It also features a two-story fieldhouse that can hold more than 2,000 people for basketball, volleyball and wrestling.
Collaborative areas can be found in different areas of the school, enabling students or classes to work in group settings outside of the traditional classroom.
Voter approved a $244 million bond request in 2020 to pay for the high school among other district improvements. The proposal initially earmarked $86 million for the new Francis Howell North High, but the school board learned in 2021 that the actual cost of the project would be closer to $165 million.
The original cost estimate in 2018 was based on a building size of 380,000 square feet. After the bond issue passed, planners decided to increase the building’s size to 410,000 square feet.
Supply chain and material costs associated with the Covid-19 pandemic also inflated the cost of the project, the district says.
By increasing the scope of the project, the district was able to add space to accommodate amenites like an esports room, a culinary arts program, a wrestling room, a robotics lab, a new drama and music wing, auxiliary gym, concessions and ticket booth and four lactation rooms.
