KIRKSVILLE, MO. -- $15 million is the price tag on the renovations and expansions at the Kirksville School District.  Several buildings on the Kirksville campus are involved in the multi-million dollar project.

“One of the goals was to create a space that communicated science and technology,” said Kirksville Schools Superintendent Pat Williams.

$1.4 million was spent at the middle school facility.  That includes 6 renovated or new classrooms, and two computer labs.

“These spaces were very much needed for us to deliver a curriculum that involved technology,” said Williams.

The library will also house computers creating a two to one ration of students to computers in the district.

“It allows us to incorporate considerably more technology,” said Williams.

We’ll head to the high school where state of the art classrooms and labs are still getting the final touches.

$2.1 million of renovations were done in the high school alone including 4000 square feet. 

Karen Keck is in her 8th year teaching at the school and she says her new and improved classroom is one of the best things to happen in those 8 years.

“It’s a pleasant place to teach and a pleasant place I think for the kids,” said Kirksville High School Science Teacher Karen Keck.

“We have a lot more space in this classroom and I personally think it’s more fun and easier to learn.  There’s more space and sunlight too,” said Kirksville High School student Morgan.

“We have a fish tank. I find the nature really nice.  It’s really open and there’s an area to learn and we get to do our labs,” said Kirksville High School student Stephanie.

“It helps differentiate instruction and it helps make sure that we are teaching students at the levels at which they learn best,” said Keck.

At the Kirksville Area Technical Center, crews are nearly done with the nursing facility.

“This will allow us to expand our health services program which is geared toward high school students only it will also allow is to expand our LPN Program which is for adult students,” said Williams.

The automotive center at the technical center has a whole new heating system, larger garage doors to bring in bigger vehicles, and a fresh paint job.

“The important thing is that they have up to date facilities similar to what they’re going to go work for when they get out of here,” said Automotive Technician Mr. Ferguson.

Williams says the bottom line is to equip the students with an education that will prepare them for the real world.

“To be competitive our students need to have first class science and technology facilities and a first class science and technology,” said Williams.