New Hallway May Relieve Congestion

Nov. 22, 2002

Twelve months from now, a new hallway may help alleviate congestion at DHS. Construction on a corridor to connect the science and history halls will begin this summer. It will cut through an existing science storage area, continue across the roof, and end up where Room 246's stage is located.

Planners visited the school earlier this fall to envision their plans. Upon reviewing the two original designs, the administration asked that the width of the hallway be increased. "The last thing we need is another small hallway," Mr. Domergue said. They also asked that lockers be included in the hallway.

Construction will begin this summer with the initial work. By the fall, workers will complete the inside construction, with the attempt to keep disruption to a minimum. The goal is to complete this addition by the end of 2003.

The hallway will relieve congestion through one of the school's most crowded corridors -- the second-floor hallway connecting English and science. "I avoid it -- it takes five minutes to get through," senior Jen Scritchfield says. Students going from history to science, for example, will no longer have to endure the throng of students that crowd the connecting hallway.

While the new hallway will be helpful, it does not come without problems. The science storage room, where chemicals and equipment are currently stored, will likely be obliterated by the construction. In a school where space is tight, where could the equipment be relocated? "Maybe we'll have a yard sale," science resource teacher Mr. Culpepper said sarcastically.

The hallway will eliminate the theater stage in Mrs. Matulevich's classroom, as well. "My concern is that the stage may not be replaced," English resource teacher Mrs. Dean said. It is currently used by the Theater classes.

On November 12th, the Board of Education approved the appointment of McDonald Williams Banks to "architectural and engineering services" during the hallway construction. The company will be paid $101,829 for their work.