WINSTON, Ore. -- Members of the Douglas High School community came together Tuesday to celebrate the start of construction of new facilities.

In May 2019, voters in the Winston-Dillard School District passed a $16 million bond that would help rebuild parts of the high school.
School officials said they’re adding 10 new classrooms and a brand new gym.

RELATED: DEMOLITION BEGINS AT DOUGLAS HIGH SCHOOL

Demolition began on the school in early July. However, school officials said they wanted to have the groundbreaking because it represents all the hard work they put into getting the bond passed.

“We can actually be able to facilitate the things that the kids would like to have and the kids need to have,” said vice board chair Brian West.

The project is supposed to finish up by the end of the 2021. Principal Craig Anderson said students will be in school while construction is underway.

However, he said they’re trying to make it as easy as possible on the students and staff.

“Safety’s first,” said Anderson. “We gotta keep my staff and the kids safe. Whatever we have to do we’re going to work on that.”

Tuesday’s ceremony was limited to administration and board members due to COVID-19. They required mask wearing, and social distancing was enforced.