Chittenango High School has undergone significant renovations throughout the past two years. They did this to address some outdated areas and to improve the environment for students and the community.
The main areas being renovated are the auditorium, the gym, the main entrance and the office. The auditorium was the largest project. It was completely gutted in the summer of 2024 and has since received all new floors, lighting, ceiling, walls, and seating, as well as a new stage. The first production from the Chittenango High School drama club to be performed on the new stage will be the upcoming fall play “The Play that Goes Wrong.” When asked if he thought that the changes would increase community attendance, Mr. Altobello, the associate principal said, “I would like to think it would. I think especially at first it will, because people will be curious and will wanna see their tax dollars at work. So I think, at first, it’ll bring some curiosity… to see what’s going on and hopefully that’ll last.”
The gym was also improved, not only for athletes but for the entire school. It now looks similar to the middle school gym, which was renovated recently as well. Since its completion, students say that it is very pleasant for gym class. One student, Evan Lavier, said “I think it’s gonna be fun. It’s new. It’ll be more grippy. It’ll be good.” Mr. Kielbasa, gym teacher and coach, says, “ I think it looks really good. I like the floor, I like the contrast in the different wood colors, and the part that I like the most is that they painted the vents red and removed the red stripe around the gym. I’m excited about teaching in there, I’m excited about getting in there, and I’m looking forward to it.” Payton Smith, who plays varsity volleyball for the Chittenango Bears, says, “I like it because the gym is nicer to play on and I like the design of it.”
Finally, the main office is just now being finished. Mrs. Gibbons, one of the school receptionists, says, “I like it, it’s very functional, it’s brighter, and everything is new.” However, the main entrance is yet to be completed.
Clearly members of the environment are eager to see all of these changes be completed and they already are enjoying features that are completed.
