Nine years after the Greater Johnstown (Pennsylvania) district shuttered Garfield Middle School, the school system is preparing to reopen the campus later this year.
The Tribune Democrat reports that students in seventh and eighth grades are set to move into the middle school building starting in 2026-27.
The 100-year-old school was closed in 2017 during a restructuring of the district, but now there is a need for more classroom space.
"The renovation and reopening of Garfield Middle School represents a major strategic investment in the educational future of the Greater Johnstown School District," Assistant Superintendent Michael Dadey said. "Most importantly, this project will relieve projected overcrowding at Johnstown Elementary School, restoring appropriate class sizes and ensuring students learn in environments designed to support focus, safety and academic success."
Improvements to the building will include updates to the HVAC system, accessibility updates, restroom renovations, a new media center, upgraded offices and a new music room. In total, the project will cost between $24 million and $30 million,
The renovation of the historic middle school would be done in three phases. The first phase would consist mostly of demolition and abatement to prepare the first through third floors of the four-story structure for occupation.
Phase two includes paint; flooring; mechanical, electrical and plumbing rough-ins; and final design.
Phase three is final construction for plumbing, electrical and mechanical features; installation of an elevator; and exterior improvements.
