Pery County School District #32 unveils rebuilding plans for Perryville High School

FOX23 News at 9 p.m.

PERRYVILLE, Mo., (KBSI) — Perry County School District 32 officials unveiled preliminary plans Saturday for rebuilding Perryville High School during a community presentation at the Robinson Event Center.

The presentation marked the community’s first look at proposed designs for a reimagined high school following the EF2 tornado that heavily damaged the facility March 14, 2025.

The plans, developed by Sapp Design Architects, call for salvaging and renovating portions of the existing structure while demolishing the remainder to construct a new high school on the same footprint.

“We are excited to share these plans after months of thoughtful work behind the scenes,” Superintendent Fara Jones said. “This vision represents more than rebuilding after the tornado — it reflects our commitment to creating a high school that will serve our students and community well into the future.”

Proposed features of the new facility include improved circulation for safety and accessibility, updated classrooms designed for 21st-century learning, reintegration of special education and art classrooms into the main building, collaborative multiuse spaces, a performing arts center, a gymnasium addition and a high school commons.

Architects worked with a building committee and a steering committee made up of district staff and community members. Perryville High School Principal Shadrick Shafer, who served on both committees, said the proposed design balances practicality with long-term needs.

“This proposal is not about excess, and it is not about shortcuts,” Shafer said. “It is about building a school that is safe, durable, efficient and designed to serve all students not just today, but for generations to come.”

Funding for the project depends on voter approval of Proposition KIDS, or Keep Improving District Schools, in the April 7 general election. The ballot measure would authorize a $0.41 tax increase to generate an estimated $52.5 million for the project.

District officials said earlier community survey results showed support for a higher tax rate, but the board worked with architects to reduce the proposal’s impact on taxpayers while still meeting the district’s needs.

The district also plans to apply proceeds from its insurance settlement toward the project. Officials said disaster assistance funding from FEMA, if awarded, would be provided as reimbursement after construction is completed.