As the Keota Community School District continues building community support for its proposed bond referendum, district officials are sharing details about one of the project’s central components — the renovation of the second floor of the Keota Junior-Senior High School.
The second floor of the high school was built in the 1970s using an open-concept design that the district says no longer meets the needs of modern education. In a release published July 16th, the district outlined the challenges posed by that design and the benefits a renovation would bring.
On the challenge side, district officials cited noise and poor acoustics that make it harder for students to focus, a layout that is not ideal for students with ADHD, autism, anxiety, or other learning differences who benefit from quieter and more predictable environments, limited electrical infrastructure that was not designed for laptops, interactive displays, or charging stations, safety and security concerns stemming from foam partitions and open spaces that offer little protection compared to solid walls and lockable doors, inefficient heating and cooling due to the large open areas and an outdated HVAC system, and a lack of privacy for small group sessions, assessments, counseling, and confidential student discussions.
The proposed renovation would address each of those concerns by creating enclosed modern classrooms with improved acoustics, stronger Wi-Fi, updated electrical infrastructure, lockable doors, updated HVAC and ventilation systems for better air quality and energy efficiency, and flexible spaces capable of supporting collaboration, technology, career and technical education, STEM programming, and intervention services.
The district framed the renovation not just as a building upgrade but as an investment in student outcomes and community strength. The renovation is one component of a broader $6.4 million bond referendum the district is working to place on the November 3rd, 2026 ballot. Community members interested in learning more can visit keotaeagles.org.
