Submitted photo This drone photo taken in May shows the progress on the wood shop and welding classroom behind the Jackson-Milton Middle School/High School auxiliary gym.

Staff report

NORTH JACKSON — The Jackson-Milton Local School District is revitalizing its campus and community connection through strategic facility upgrades and expanded student programs.

Construction is underway on a new state-of-the-art wood shop and welding classroom behind the middle school/high school auxiliary gym. This expansion elevates hands-on career and technical education training, providing students with essential, industry-ready skills and expanded, modern pathways for graduation requirements, according to a news release from the district.

The new specifications will introduce modern equipment for hands-on learning, allowing students to explore trades and industrial arts directly on campus. These upgrades aim to broaden career-readiness pathways for graduates.

To enhance safety and traffic flow during arrival and dismissal, the district also is constructing a new parking lot behind the district-owned house west of the elementary school. This project will alleviate congestion, provide convenient parking for athletic and special events, and support our growing school community.

The elementary school will open the upcoming school year with a brand-new roof — replacing the structure damaged by March windstorms — and an upgraded playground featuring a safe, rubberized surface.

Plans are underway to construct a new athletic field house at the northern end of the football field between the school buildings. The facility will feature a concession stand, restrooms, locker rooms, storage and indoor training areas. Funded by years of Board of Education savings, this project fulfills the goal of enhancing campus facilities after the football stadium’s relocation.

Construction is progressing as planned, keeping the new addition on course to welcome its first class of students for the 2026-27 school year. Superintendent Kirk Baker stated, “These improvements reflect our ongoing commitment to providing a high-quality learning environment and ensuring that our facilities keep pace with the needs of our students at no cost to taxpayers. We appreciate the support of our community, whose partnership makes these projects possible.”