Central High School embarked on a $9 million modernization project this school year that will expand the school cafeteria, add culinary lab space, upgrade security and improve the front of the campus.
The main goal of the reconstruction at the school’s 4525 North Central Avenue location is to create a new, positive look that feels more like a college campus.
“Our kids deserve to be in modern spaces, where they can study and get to know each other,” said Central High School Principal Leticia Avalos.
The improvement that will impact students the most is the cafeteria, which is projected to double in size.
The cafeteria had limited seating because the space could not accommodate the school’s student population of more than 2,000, according to Avalos. Before the project started, students ate outside and on benches.
According to Assistant Principal Tad Roeder, there will be temporary tents, similar to sports tents, where students will eat during the renovations. The tents are temperature-regulated so that students can stay comfortable in the hot weather.
The construction will also create secured entry to the school. Visitors will be required to buzz in rather than being able to simply walk onto the campus.
“I think a lot of the community members will feel a lot safer with the secured entryway,” Avalos said.
The new culinary lab space, also located in the cafeteria, includes a commercial kitchen for the high school’s culinary arts program.
“We hope to expand those numbers and build more partnerships,” Avalos said of the program.
Avalos said she hopes the new cafeteria will build more positive relationships between the students and staff, and she thinks the modernization will be “very much welcomed by parents.”
“One of our initiatives is to rebrand Central,” she said. “It will create a new look and feel that will be very positive.”
In addition to a complete renovation to the front of the campus, the school will be getting a new sign to display.
The project is expected to be completed by 2019, so even upperclassmen will have time to use the new facilities, Roeder said.
Avalos said Central High students will have the opportunity to paint a mural on the wall of the cafeteria “to make their mark” on the upgraded campus, gaining “instagram backdrops” as a bonus.
Contact the reporter at egraves5@asu.edu.
