Santa Fe High is slated for two major construction projects in the not-too-distant future: a new administration building and the development of “Imagination Field.”

Mr. Marano stated that the renovations and new buildings are intended to create a more 21st century type of school to meet the needs of all academies.

There are plans to build a new academic building along with basketball and volleyball courts In the stretch of land in front of Commons unofficially named “Imagination Field.” This will provide students with something else to do during lunch.

In addition, a new administration building will be built closer to the front entrance, so administration and security will be the first thing people see when entering the school. This will improve safety.

“Student Services will be taken down and the cafeteria will be moved closer to the plaza so students don’t have to walk as far as they do already,” said Mr. Marano. “The existing cafeteria will become the ROTC building.”

Mr. Marano has been working closely with architects from Vigil & Associates Architectural Group. He has also gathered input from staff and the Citizens Review Committee. He stated that the construction is still in the planning stages, and the architects are still designing. The renovation will happen in multiple phases.

It is estimated that it will be at least a year before construction begins. The timeline and construction company are still undetermined, the plans have yet to be approved, and it is also dependent on “the money that’s allocated through bonds,” Mr Marano said.

The renovation is estimated to cost $60 million and will be funded through General Obligation bonds, which are voted on by Santa Fe residents. When a GO bond is passed, money is allocated for certain projects. Mr. Marano said, “The money has to be appropriated in the next GO bond; we have to ask for more money. We really hope that voters will vote to give us the money.”