Riverdale High School in Lee County is getting renovated.
It's been a long time coming. Principal Scott Cook said there was so much infrastructure that was failing. He said they haven't had an update in 52 years.
He said once the new updates are complete, the school will probably have another 52-year lifespan. Since the school hasn't been touched since 1972, the school is getting fire sprinklers and replacing the old iron pipes.
"The campus never had fire sprinklers," he said.
He said the old pipes collapsed.
"So the schools had to struggle, and the district had to struggle to keep those things working until we could do this renovation," he said.
While the renovations are needed, students will start this school year with some parts of the school redone and some parts still under construction.
The new science building will be done and new officed for staff, but they will still be working on the new gym, adding more seats to the cafeteria and adding more parking.
The project originally cost about $40 million but now it costs about $100 million. Cook said the increase in price may have to do with the fire sprinkler and plumbing updates.
As a Riverdale High School graduate, Cook said he's excited for the kids, the staff, and the community to enjoy the updated school.
The expected completion date is Aug. 25, 2025.