Perryville High School tornado recovery projects move forward
FOX23 News at 9 p.m
PERRYVILLE, Mo., (KBSI) — Perry County School District 32 is moving forward with several tornado recovery projects as students begin the 2026-27 school year.
Demolition of the former Perryville High School building is nearing completion, with nearly all structural walls now down. Contractors will continue removing foundations and debris in the coming weeks.
Following voter approval of Proposition K.I.D.S. in the Aug. 4 primary election, the district is moving ahead with plans for a new 147,500-square-foot high school.
Plans call for 35 instructional spaces, a student commons, library, multipurpose center, gymnasium, weight room and locker rooms. Construction is expected to take about 26 months, with the new school targeted to open for the spring semester in January 2029.
Proposition K.I.D.S. allows the district to borrow $35 million toward the project. The Board of Education has established a $60 million target budget, with the remaining $25 million expected to come from insurance proceeds, district funds and FEMA reimbursements.
High school classes will continue across several temporary locations on campus during construction. The district said transportation will be provided for students who need to travel between buildings.
Construction is also beginning on a 10,910-square-foot metal building near Pirate Stadium. Once completed, it will temporarily house eight high school classrooms and administrative offices, allowing the district to stop using its rented Learning Expo tent.
The Board of Education approved a $2.6 million bid package for the building in August. The district plans to seek FEMA reimbursement for the cost.
The building is expected to be completed toward the end of spring 2027.
“Throughout this school year and the entire construction process, safety will drive every logistical decision we make,” Superintendent Dr. Fara Jones said.
Construction will require the Pirate Stadium scoreboard to be temporarily taken out of service. A mobile scoreboard and protective net are expected to be installed before Perryville’s first home football game against Fredericktown on Friday, Aug. 28.
