Classrooms at Centennial School in Streator will no longer have to share space

Centennial School in Streator will have some new looks when students return to school Aug. 18.

Most notably, a new $547,213 modular building was constructed behind the existing school to add four classrooms and a set of restrooms. The carpeted classrooms are equipped with modern technology and air conditioning.

“We had teachers sharing rooms and now this gives them their own space,” said Streator Elementary Superintendent Lisa Parker of the work by Vesta Modular, which completed previous work at Kimes School for the district and also donated gift cards to classrooms for materials.

Parents familiar with Centennial also will notice a new window at the front entryway. The window will look into the office and allow parents or guests at the school to drop off materials without having to enter the building.

“This improves our security,” Parker said.

Another window from the office will connect secretaries with students in the hallway.

The office was expanded to improve security, but it also gives more space for staff, including the principal who now has enough room for a conference table to more comfortably conduct meetings.

The project was completed by Liebhart Construction of Ottawa utilizing a $50,000 school maintenance matching grant.

Additionally, parents who drop off their students at school also will notice a new looping roadway constructed around the school.

“Now parents dropping off their students can take the loop, and that relieves congestion in the front of the school where buses are letting off,” Parker said.

The construction of the modular building cut into the spaced used for Centennial’s outdoor basketball court and Parker said the hoops may be relocated.