In May 2018 the people of Marion County voted to approve a $619.7 million construction bond for the Salem-Keizer School District. The bond will fund construction to increase capacity, expand career and technical education spaces, create new science classrooms and introduce new seismic and safety standards for schools across the district. South’s construction is scheduled to begin on Thursday, March 19 of 2020.
Currently, the majority of schools in the district are over capacity. South, for example currently has 2,014 students, while its building capacity is 1,797 students. After South’s construction, its capacity will be raised to 2,200 students.
South will receive 12 new general classrooms, two new science labs, expanded career and technical education program areas, a new theater, new music rooms and more spaces to support special education with the construction. Plans also include approximately 40 new parking spaces, seismic safety improvements, intercom and card access system upgrades, new flexible learning spaces and expanded administration areas.
During construction, temporary portable classrooms will be placed in the infield of South’s track. Some classes are expected to be moving into the portables right after spring break this year.
Many schools have already started construction, including North Salem High School in April 2019 and McNary High School in June 2019.
