Excitement fills the air at Francis Howell North as the high school starts its first day in a brand-new, state-of-the-art building on Hackmann Road.
The original 1983 building is being gradually demolished to make way for the new structure.
Construction on the new building began in 2021, and after years of planning and hard work, the 410-thousand-square-foot facility is ready for students to walk through its doors today.
The cost for the new building ended up being $164.7 million, nearly double the initial estimate, as part of a $244 million bond issue approved by voters in June 2020.
The building includes new additions like a culinary arts wing, an e-sports room, extra wrestling space, and a robotics lab. There is also a storm shelter that serves as a school auditorium, built with safety in mind after the Joplin tornado in 2011.
With reinforced walls and a concrete ceiling, the storm shelter can withstand winds up to 250 miles per hour, providing a secure space for students and staff. The new building also features areas for theater, music, drama, a large gym, and a foyer.
Superintendent Dr. Kenneth Roumpos believes the new school represents an investment in the future of students and the community, more than just a fresh look.
Along with the excitement of the first day of school, there will be a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Saturday at 2 p.m. to mark the grand opening of the new high school, called ‘Black and Gold Day’. The event will include student-led tours, food, games, and performances from 4 to 8 p.m.
