By Ivan Raconteur Staff Writer

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In addition to creating brighter, more efficient classrooms, the project doubled the size of the high school.

Included in the project were remodeling of 61,000 square feet of the existing facility, and the addition of 110,000 square feet to the high school.

In May 2007, the district approved a $53.6 referendum, which included $27 million of the high school, as well as funds for the purchase of land and construction of the new elementary school.

One of the highlights of the project is the new performing arts center, which includes a 600-seat state-of-the-art auditorium.

The school hopes to maximize the use of the facility, using it not only for school activities, but also promoting outside groups, including the Minnesota Orchestra, which is scheduled to perform in the theater in November.

Kyle McDonough, the district’s director of communications and administrative services, said the facility will be an asset for both the school and the community by providing a venue for a variety of performing arts.

The auditorium is conveniently located across the hall from the new band room, to allow students easy access for performances.

The project also included purchase of a band shell for musical events.

A bright glass-enclosed entryway and grand staircase will greet visitors to the school.

The new gymnasium includes a gymnastics area and space for two basketball courts, as well as new boys’ locker rooms, and remodeled girls’ locker rooms.

The pool area was also expanded, and the seating for spectators was nearly doubled.

Space for academics was also expanded, with the addition of 11 new classrooms and two new shops.

The vision was to create a campus-like environment to promote post-secondary education. Nearly 60 percent of Watertown-Mayer students take college classes while in high school. The new administration area includes a college/career center to provide resources for college-bound students.