Under budget and ahead of schedule, the Consolidated High School District 230 Board of Education is thrilled to officially open a $15 million expansion at Amos Alonzo Stagg High School. The expansion includes much-needed classroom space, several science labs, offices, and teacher workspace, as well as a rooftop environmental learning space.

Through a combination of issuing bonds, converting working cash, and leveraging ESSER grant funding, the 2-year project was funded without having to go to a referendum.

Superintendent Dr. Robert Nolting said, “This new facility is not just about bricks and mortar. It’s about possibilities. For our students, it’s a place where they can unlock their potential, explore new interests, and gain the skills they need to succeed in an ever-changing world. For our educators, it’s a place that empowers them to bring their best ideas to life, fostering a love of learning that will last a lifetime.”

Building a ship in a bottle is how Construction Superintendent for Troop Contracting Dave Bender described the expansion project at Stagg, and Principal Eric Olsen agreed. All the work had to be done while 2600 students and 250 staff were in the building, literally on the other side of the wall where a new building was being constructed. Olsen thanked students and staff for their flexibility and for adapting to some dust and occasional noise.

Construction took place in two phases. Phase one began in the summer of 2023 and concluded in the spring of 2024 with the scope of work contained to the south courtyard. This included a row of classrooms on the first floor. The second floor includes a science lab, rooftop environmental space, and teacher workspace.

Phase two began on the heels of phase one in the summer of 2024 and recently concluded with the scope of work contained to the North courtyard. This work includes several classrooms on the first floor, along with teacher workspace, offices, and two meeting rooms, which can be converted into one large conference room. Upstairs on a new second floor, science labs, classrooms, an office, and a science prep area were added.

Splitting the expansion into two phases allowed for the least amount of disruption and enabled the architects - both of whom are Stagg graduates - and the contractor to procure building materials.

Stagg Chargers officially opened the following to students and staff:

• 11 Classrooms 
• 4 Science Classrooms/Labs
• 52 Teacher Workstations
• 7 Offices
• 1 20-person Meeting Room 
• Rooftop Green Space

Stagg Principal Eric Olsen said, “On behalf of the entire Stagg community, thank you. This expansion is so important to families, students, and staff. The expansion will greatly increase our instructional and programming capacity and flexibility, which will impact teaching and learning for decades to come.”