Clarkson, Neb. — A major investment in student safety, academic opportunity, and infrastructure is now underway in Clarkson as the school district moves forward with a $15 million construction and modernization project. The initiative was made possible after voters approved a school bond to replace aging facilities and redesign the district’s layout for better accessibility.
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The project comes in response to a detailed facility study showing that Clarkson Public Schools’ buildings — constructed in 1951 and 1973 — were increasingly outdated and inefficient for today’s educational needs. Superintendent and Principal Rich Lemburg said construction officially began September 18 and is planned across three carefully scheduled phases to reduce disruption to learning.
The first stage will expand parking and administrative office space, relieving overcrowding and simplifying daily operations. Later phases will bring entirely new high school and elementary buildings, replacing the maze-like corridors created by decades of additions.
Lemburg said the new designs directly address one of the district’s greatest concerns: secure access.
"If somebody comes in that we are not expecting, they encounter six classrooms before they could get to an office personnel," Lemburg explained. "When you think about a school safety concern like that, that’s scary and not efficient or effective of what we want."
The updated campus will channel all visitors through a single controlled entrance, dramatically improving oversight and reaction time in emergencies. Enhanced safety systems — including new surveillance technology and interior storm protection — will also be incorporated as the project advances.
Beyond structural upgrades, the project aims to strengthen career readiness — a growing priority for rural school districts seeking to connect students with emerging workforce needs.
New collaborative classrooms and lab-style learning spaces will support hands-on skill development in fast-growing sectors like agriculture, healthcare, business, and accounting. Clarkson students already participate in job-focused programs that allow seniors to work half-days on Tuesdays and Thursdays, gaining practical experience before graduation. Others take advantage of dual-credit courses at Northeast Community College in Norfolk every Friday.
High School Principal Lee Schneider said the upgrades signal a strong message to families who want to build a future in Clarkson.
"This is a huge beacon to show our youth and current kids that Clarkson is committed to their families," Schneider stated. "Passing this bond was no small thing to do, especially when you consider the past failure rate of bonds across the state in recent years."
Schneider added that the community’s support reflects long-term confidence in the district’s vision for innovation, safety, and local opportunity.
The new elementary school is expected to open for the 2026–2027 school year, followed by the new high school in 2027–2028. District officials say the investment will boost enrollment potential, improve student experiences, and ensure educational facilities remain competitive with surrounding regions for decades.
When completed, the campus will feature:
✅ Modern learning environments
✅ Stronger security infrastructure
✅ Streamlined campus navigation
✅ Workforce-aligned programming
✅ Updated athletic and extracurricular spaces
For Lemburg, the goal is simple: prepare every student for what comes next.
"This project represents a commitment to safety and excellence," he said, noting that it lays the foundation for continued growth in the Clarkson community.
Originally reported by Hanky Q. Hazelton in News Channel Nebraska.
