Summer in Calvert Stadium at KHS was marked by a constant stream of construction equipment and onlookers who stopped daily to watch the progress being made through the renovation of the track and field.
New lighting, and turf installation is complete, and the track is anticipated to be completed before the end of August. With groundbreaking in the spring and favorable weather, crews were able to stay on schedule and crowds should return to Friday night football games in September.
The track, named in honor of Jim Kersten and the field, named in honor of Jim Vandenberg, both in 2021, are part of phase oneI improvements to facilities at KCSD, which also saw a renovation of the tennis courts.
Originally slated to begin in late 2024, the District pushed back the start date of phase two in an effort to provide more information to the school community and engage in comprehensive planning based upon overall district needs. The district hopes to begin phase two in late 2025 which includes renovation of Calvert Stadium, originally constructed in the 1960s, and the development of a new preschool building on north 17th Street, currently home to a community health clinic. This site will replace the district’s oldest building. Torrence School, which houses the district’s preschool students and has served the students of KCSD well for many years, however it is becoming increasingly expensive to maintain. Also, the building has use restrictions and is limited to having students only on the first floor.
“Our community is only as strong as its schools,” Dr. Kathy Dinger, KCSD superintendent, said. “We look forward to upgrading our facilities most in need, to provide better experiences for our students, families, and the community that supports us in our efforts to make KCSD the best school district in Lee County.”