When Bexley High School students return from spring break, they will be greeted by a change in their environment that has nothing to do with the weather outside.

During the week-long break, teachers have been moving into the new arts and technology wing, part of the district’s $30 million construction and renovation project.

The move will allow workers to make infrastructure improvements, including new lighting, lockers and air conditioning, in the main part of the building.

The changes are meant to improve learning, Supt. Michael Johnson explained.

"Some people will say that you can have quality instruction in any facility. That’s not true," Johnson said.

While Bexley has maintained its position as one of the top districts in the state, improving learning spaces is part of Johnson’s goal to compete nationally and internationally.

The new wing, with three floors covering 80,000 square feet, is a large part of that effort.

The space will relieve the crowding experienced by students in orchestra, band, and computer and home economic labs, to name just a few areas.

Band, orchestra and vocal ensembles will now have their own rehearsal and storage spaces, with ceilings that are angled to enhance acoustics.

The performing arts areas are connected to an auditorium undergoing the final phases of renovation.

When completed, Johnson said the theatre will be the area’s most sophisticated, in terms of the technology for sound and lighting, with the possible exception of Ohio State University.

The theatre also will include large scenery and costumes shops.

In addition to improvements for performing arts, the new wing also will accommodate visual arts, with separate areas for two and three-dimensional art.

The wing also has plenty of space to display art work.

A photo lab and dark room will be free of the floating dust from other rooms that is endured in the old building.

The award-winning Torch newspaper will have its own lab and classroom.

The modular technology program will have four times the square footage it now uses.

The home economics lab will have five stations of gleaming new equipment.

The current computer labs are so crowded that it is difficult for students to work in teams, Johnson said. The newer roomier labs will eliminate that problem.

The rooms have been positioned to remove the glare on screens that students now experience.

"Lighting will now be an asset, rather than a detriment," Johnson said.

School spirit has not been forgotten. The color scheme of the walls and tile is, of course, white and Bexley blue.

During a tour of the wing, Bexley senior Brian Levey seemed impressed by the improvements.

"It’s beautiful. It’s like a totally new school," Levey said.

While he will not be able to enjoy the benefits of the improvements made, Levey, son of school board president Michael Levey, has three siblings who will eventually move into the high school.

Auditorium renovations are expected to be ready in time for production of a musical play in the fall.

Infrastructure work at the high school will continue through the summer.

The district is spending one-third of its construction budget, funded by a bond levy, on environmental improvements, Johnson pointed out.

Making life more comfortable for everyone is like adding days onto the school year, the superintendent suggested.