Opening day at Red Lake County Central High School in Oklee for the 2024-25 school year was an exciting time. After nearly two years of construction, students came back to a new library, that also serves as a media center and Online College in the High School classroom, and two new state-of-the-art science lab classrooms. In addition, students have a new student commons area, a new cafeteria that is triple the previous size and newly renovated offices. RLCC High School also has a brand-new gymnasium with three official size courts, new locker rooms, a dedicated athletic training room and a media room where games are broadcast and content delivered to the videoboard.
“Next level excitement,” said Principal Randy Pederson. “We literally were kept out of the building this past summer until a few days before the start of school. Our students couldn’t believe their eyes upon their return. Students and staff are tremendously grateful to the residents of Red Lake County Central ISD #2906 for their investment in our educational future.”
In February 2022, district voters pproved issuing General Obligation School Building Bonds in an amount not to exceed $14,120,000 for the project that also included improvements at RLCC Elementary School in Plummer
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Construction began in May 2023 with the complete demolition of the 1938 portion of the school. That winter was spent enclosing the new construction areas which included the two science labs, the new gym and locker rooms and new bathrooms in the hallway. New construction continued until August 2024. Remodeled construction began right after graduation in May 2024 and finished just days before the opening day of school.
Student Senate President Guy Bergeson said, “We were freshmen when we heard some talk about the possibility of new and remodeled space and here we are today. The new space is awesome! We are excited to be the first senior class to graduate from RLCC in its current condition.”
An open house was held Monday, Oct. 14 for parents and community members.