Pennsylvania high school will convert auditorium to classrooms

The Millcreek Township (Pa.) district will convert the auditorium at McDowell High School in Erie into classrooms. 

The auditorium, now being used as a storage room, will undergo a $9.4 million renovation, reports The Erie Times- News. 

District officials say the auditorium is no longer being used because it has poor lighting and poor seating arrangements.

The auditorium space will be converted to classrooms for life skills, autistic support and technology programs, according to preliminary designs.

The new technology area will include a STEM hub, virtual reality space, maker space, research lab and central common area. Small-group rooms will accommodate breakout sessions and independent study. It also will have a metal shop and fabrication production lab with a welding area

The sloped auditorium floor will be leveled to accommodate the new learning spaces and windows will be added in the exterior wall.

Funding for the renovations will come from a new $62 million bond issue for district facility improvements.