Staff Express Excitement for the Future of Colonie High School Amid the Current Construction

By Gavin McNeal 

February 27, 2025  

The ongoing construction at Colonie High School brings optimism from teachers and administrators. 

Students and staff throughout the high school have indicated they have responded well to the possible annoyance that comes with a major construction project taking place.

Maintaining hope amidst the construction is a key message Executive Principal William Behrle expresses. 

“The biggest thing that I’ve been preaching is look towards the future,” Principal Behrle said. 

That might seem difficult for some because of issues like security and construction disrupting classes. 

During the fall, issues about security started. When Introducing students into the working space of construction workers, there had to be measures put in place to ensure the safety of everyone. 

Principal Behrle verified that there are safety procedures such as the use of the Raptor system that checks the background of everyone who comes into the school, making sure doors remain closed and having every construction worker wear a badge throughout the day. 

According to Principal Behrle the security concerns died down once the safety measures became second nature to everyone.

Some inconveniences have transpired when it comes to classrooms getting remodeled. 

After getting his room redone Health teacher Mr. Stranahan had a lot of supplies inside boxes at the beginning of the school year. However, the construction to his room left him excited to see the final product. 

He believes all the teachers in the English and Social Studies wings will “be able to transition very well” when their rooms get remodeled. 

While it might seem like a hindrance to have construction in those wings,  Principal Behrle stated that it “shouldnt impede educational processes at all.” 

The library has experienced one of the longer construction processes. During this time students and staff could not use the library.  

As someone who has dealt with a lot of construction happening, school librarian Ms. Luizzi understands that the construction will be “worth all the trouble.”

When it comes to sports, Colonie will have updated locker rooms, fields and weight room because of the construction. 

Gym teacher and lacrosse Coach Woodard says that “our athletic facilities are going to be one of the best in the area.” 

Both Coach Woodard and Mr. Stranahan believe that remodeling the athletic facilities have the potential to create an atmosphere of excitement and bring in a winning culture to Colonie sports. 

Becoming a school that is more twenty-first century is in progress at Colonie High School.

The Capital Project that will renovate and improve all aspects of schools in South Colonie, started last spring. Before that a vote occurred to see if the community wanted the schools to be modernized. 

In total, it costs more than one twenty million dollars, from state aid, reserve funds and tax payers. 

While this project won’t be fully completed until at least 2028 the excitement within the school grows. From the hallways and classrooms to the athletic facilities Colonie High School will now be a modern place for future generations to learn and grow.