CRAWFORDVILLE, FL — Wakulla County Schools has officially broken ground on the transformational building project at Wakulla High School, marking the beginning of a multi-phase effort to create a modern, state-of-the-art campus designed to serve generations of War Eagles.
For decades, Wakulla High School has stood as a source of pride for the entire county. Thousands of students have walked its halls, learned from dedicated teachers, competed on its fields and courts, performed on its stage, and graduated prepared for college, career, military service, and life. Now, as one of Florida’s top-performing schools, it is preparing for a facility that reflects the excellence already happening inside its classrooms.
“Few among us were present for the opening of Wakulla High School in 1968, which makes this opportunity truly a once in a lifetime experience for most,” said Superintendent Rick Myhre. “While this re-envisioning of our alma mater will transform it in many ways, in others it protects the legacy of WHS, ensuring it continues as a cutting-edge educational facility for decades to come.”
The foundation for the project began with a formal Castaldi Analysis Report completed in August 2016. In Florida, a Castaldi Analysis is a facility evaluation process used to determine whether aging school buildings should be modernized, demolished, or replaced. The report for Wakulla High School recommended the razing and replacement of several areas of the campus due to age, condition, and long-term feasibility.
Since 2020, Chief of Facilities and Maintenance Mike Barwick has worked with Wakulla County Schools to move the project from recommendation to reality, including the careful process of planning, funding, design, and construction preparation. Because Wakulla County is home to a large amount of federally owned national forest land, the district qualifies as a rural district with limited taxable land. This allows Wakulla County Schools to seek support through the Florida Department of Education’s Special Facility Construction Account. Every school building built in Wakulla County, outside the original building of Wakulla High School, was built through this program.
“This project has taken years of planning, collaboration, and persistence,” said Mike Barwick, Chief of Facilities and Maintenance. “A school of this size and importance cannot be rushed. Every phase has been designed with students, staff, safety, instruction, and the long-term needs of Wakulla High School in mind.”
Following funding approval, the district moved through the required professional selection process for architecture and construction management. Clemons, Rutherford & Associates is serving as the architectural firm, and Allstate Construction is serving as the construction manager.
The design process has included input from educators and staff members who understand the daily needs of students. Teachers, program leaders, and staff from areas including theater, band, culinary arts, Exceptional Student Education, NJROTC, and athletics have helped shape spaces to be practical and student-centered.
Planned improvements include a new Performing Arts Center with a stage large enough to accommodate the full Wakulla High School Band and support major performances and state competitions, as well as a new Athletic Center designed to serve multiple programs, including wrestling, weightlifting, cheer, basketball, and volleyball. The project will also include new classroom and administrative spaces, a secure front office and student services areas, updated parking and traffic flow, a new bus loop, a new band practice field, a new carpentry building, renovated NJROTC space, and major infrastructure improvements.
The project will be completed in phases over approximately two years.
Phase 1 is scheduled to begin June 1, 2026, with demolition and abatement work continuing through August 1, 2026. This phase includes the demolition of the carpentry shop, the former ACE building, the engineering building, and the faculty parking lot. The existing clinic building will be gutted and renovated for NJROTC use. Work will also begin on the new Performing Arts Center and Athletic Facility beginning August 1, 2026. The new Athletic Facility is scheduled for substantial completion in July 2027, while the new Performing Arts Center is scheduled for substantial completion in December 2027. Also scheduled for completion in July 2027 are the new carpentry building, renovated NJROTC space, a new Central Utility Plant, and a new staff parking lot.
Phase 2 is scheduled to begin June 1, 2027, with abatement and demolition work continuing through August 2027. This phase will focus on new classroom and administrative spaces, including the front office, discipline suite, guidance suite, new classrooms, and updated secure entry areas. From fall 2027 through summer 2028, work will continue on the new band practice field, new administrative and classroom buildings, new student parking lot, and bus loop. These areas are scheduled for substantial completion in August 2028.
As with any project of this size, there will be changes to normal campus operations during construction. Wakulla County Schools is committed to minimizing disruptions to the learning environment and protecting instructional time whenever possible. Safety fencing will be placed around active construction areas, and relocation plans are already in place for programs or groups affected by the work. Some relocation needs have already been eased by the opening of the new Career and Technical Education building in 2024.
Families, students, staff, alumni, and community members are encouraged to stay connected through official district and school communication channels throughout the project. Wakulla County Schools will share updates, timelines, photos, and important information as each phase moves forward.
The new Wakulla High School building project represents more than new walls, classrooms, and performance spaces. It stands for a continued commitment to one united high school community, a tradition of academic and extracurricular excellence, and a future worthy of the students, staff, families, and alumni who make Wakulla High School a cornerstone of Wakulla County.
To stay informed throughout the Wakulla High School construction process, visit: https://whs.wakullaschooldistrict.org/o/whs/page/whs-construction-updates
To view the full Wakulla High School Castaldi Analysis Report visit: https://aptg.co/fcBxdQ
About Wakulla County Schools
Wakulla County Schools serves over 5,500 students across four elementary schools, two middle schools, one high school, as well as adult education and alternative pathway programs. Guided by the values of Rigor, Resiliency, and Relevance, the district is committed to preparing every student for success in college, career, and life. Rooted in community and focused on the future, Wakulla County Schools is dedicated to providing high-quality educational opportunities for all.
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