Construction Update - April 2025

Lincoln Middle School 

The 60,000-square foot addition, which will include a competition gym, storm shelter/annex gym, library/media center, commons, eight classrooms of varying size, and a multi-purpose room, is still on track to open prior to the 2025-26 school year.  

With construction set to be completed in June and the space ready for students in August, recent developments include:  

Interior Progress 

• The main gym is finished, with only the bleachers left to be installed once the floor has fully cured.  

• The wood flooring in the auxiliary gym is currently being installed.  

• Kitchen equipment is being set, and the coolers have already been installed.  

• Flooring installation is underway on the first and second floor.  

• The entire addition is fully painted, with lighting and mechanical systems in place. 

• Some furniture has started to arrive.  

Exterior Progress 

• Asphalt and concrete pours are being finalized.  

• Irrigation and the remainder of the sod will be installed in the coming months.  

• The metal panel facade is being installed.  

• Doors and storefronts are installed.  

• Roofing is complete, with sheet metal finishing work around the edges underway.  

This summer, abatement work will take place, while renovation of the existing building will begin in August.  

A community open house is planned for Sunday, August 31 at 2 p.m., which also marks the 100th Anniversary of the open house at the then new Edwardsville High School on August 31, 1925. There will also be a ribbon-cutting on Thursday, August 14.   

EHS Commons Expansion 

Construction on the 8,000-square-foot expansion of the EHS Commons is progressing on schedule and is set to be completed ahead of the 2025-26 school year. The expansion will increase the capacity of the space to over 900 people.  

Construction work on the expansion began in the fall, and the structure is now under roof, with windows set to be installed soon. Inside, framing is complete, with studs in place and drywall installation beginning shortly. On the exterior, stone panels have been installed with metal panels starting soon, giving shape to the updated design.  

Additionally, mobilization for the demolition of the existing restrooms and vending machine nook to make way for new restroom facilities. Once the school year ends, the temporary wall separating the expansion from the current commons will be removed, fully integrating the new space to fully complete construction.  

Secure Entries 

The secure entry projects at seven schools will commence after the school year ends and will be completed before students return in the fall.  

• EHS, Glen Carbon, Leclaire, and Woodland – These projects will involve minor modifications, such as adding walls and security hardware.  

• Woodland – This project will also include partial reconstruction of the front stairs and a new accessible ramp leading into the lobby/secure entry.  

• Hamel – A small addition will be built out under the existing overhang.  

• Nelson – This will be the most extensive project as the main office will be relocated to the front of the building with a secure vestibule. The new layout will include offices for the principal, nurse, and reception, while the existing office space will be repurposed into a copy/workroom and two additional classrooms. This project will take the entirety of the summer, while the others will take one to two months.  

Hamel and Nelson Asbestos Abatement 

Prior to construction of secure entries at Hamel and Nelson, both buildings will undergo asbestos abatement once school is finished for the year.  

Columbus Playground 

This project was completed in December 2025 and students are using the new playground. The project included upgrading the playground equipment, replacing the rock surface with a poured-in-place rubber surface, and adding grass around the playground area.  

Roof and Solar 

All roof work related to solar projects has been completed. Additionally, solar panel installations are now finished at EHS Success Academy, the Jon Davis Wrestling Center, Leclaire, Cassens, and Goshen. Installation at EHS, Liberty, Worden, and Hamel are underway. Glen Carbon’s installation of solar panels will take place this summer following insurance-covered roof replacement due to damage from the March 2024 hailstorm. Nelson, Columbus, Hamel, and Woodland will also have roof replacements this summer as a result of that hailstorm.