Northwestern going under the knife

$51 million renovation hits bathrooms to classrooms in every building

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When Northwestern School Corp. Superintendent Kristen Bilkey went to high school at Northwestern, the “cafetorium” looked the same as it does today. No windows to speak of. A stage for plays on one end. And an institutional feeling.

That is one of many things that will be renovated as part of the school corporation’s $51 million facilities project. From bathrooms to classrooms, literally every building in the Northwestern system is going to receive an upgrade.

“There is a lot of need,” said Bilkey. “We talk about it at every board meeting, and we are trying to be as transparent about it as we can. I hope our community sees that these are not extravagant things. They are necessities that improve the overall campus, security, and the student experience.”

According to Jeff Layden, Northwestern’s director of operations, he spent the better part of four years assessing the needs of each building and developing a list of priorities.

“Some things are immediate needs; others are things that we can save a little money now and do them down the road,” said Layden. “I created a big list that was the start of the facilities project. We took the things the kids, the faculty, and our parents said and incorporated them into a big plan. And we’re finally preparing to see the fruits of our labor.”