Nestled between Iola and Chanute, Humboldt, Kansas may be a small town, but its commitment to education is anything but modest. As the central school district serves surrounding rural communities, Humboldt faced increasing challenges—from overcrowded classrooms to outdated facilities. After a long-awaited bond initiative, TESSERE was privileged to partner with the school district in creating a transformative reality for their schools.
A Revived Vision
The Humboldt Bond Project began with a vision from a newly appointed superintendent who reignited a pre-COVID bond campaign. With community support and a clear understanding of the district’s evolving needs, the project was set into motion in 2021, leveraging the original $18 million bond approved in 2019.
Phase 1: District Facility Improvements
The first phase focused on immediate improvements:
- Administrative Office Renovation: The district’s central office, previously housed in a windowless former dentist’s office, was transformed into a welcoming, light-filled space for staff.
- Field House HVAC Upgrades: Essential updates were made to the HVAC systems in the field house, ensuring comfort and functionality for students and staff.
Phase 2: Elementary School Expansion
With classroom sizes near 30 students, the elementary school needed more space. TESSERE responded with:
- East Addition: Three new classrooms and a flexible pre-K/kindergarten room with a secure outdoor courtyard.
- West Addition: A brand-new cafeteria, eliminating the need to share space with the gymnasium and allowing for a single lunch period. This addition bridges the space between the gymnasium and storm shelter- keeping it all interiorly connected.
- Infrastructure Upgrades: HVAC replacements, new vestibule doors, updated signage, and a materials list that empowered the school to renovate existing classrooms independently. Updates also included all new flooring in the kitchen, which helped to create a more efficient cleaning process.
Phase 3: Middle School Modernization
The middle school saw both renovations and a strategic addition:
- Connecting the D-Tech Building: A new corridor linked the middle school to the standalone D-Tech building, housing computer labs, a woodshop, and art rooms.
- New Art Wing: Featuring a spacious art room with dual sinks, a kiln room, and ample storage.
- Additional Classrooms and Lounge: Two new classrooms and a much-needed teacher’s lounge.
- Facility Updates: Conversion of the old art room into a computer lab, science room upgrades, and energy-efficient HVAC installations.
Phase 4: High School Overhaul
The final phase addressed critical safety and accessibility concerns at the high school:
- Emergency Egress & Elevator: A new fire-rated stair tower and a modern elevator replaced outdated infrastructure.
- Restroom Renovations: Full-service restrooms added to each floor, including gender-neutral options.
- Administrative & Entry Enhancements: A secure new entryway, expanded cafeteria, and updated administrative offices created a safer and more functional environment.
- Science & Home Ec Upgrades: ADA-compliant chemistry labs and improved storage in the home economics room.
- Courtyard Creation: A new interior courtyard added a refreshing outdoor space for students and staff.
Building for the Future
Despite budget constraints, TESSERE strategically selected materials to balance cost and durability. While some high-end finishes like resinous flooring were scaled back, the team ensured quality through value engineering and smart substitutions. The result being a district-wide transformation that not only meets current needs but anticipates future growth. With students already occupying the new spaces this school year, Humboldt USD 258 is ready for a brighter, more functional future.
Now that all phases have been completed, the Humboldt community can take pride in a project that reflects their values, meets their needs, and sets the stage for generations of learners to come.
