The clock is ticking for the staff at Lancaster High School. They have begun the undertaking of packing up their current classrooms, to transition into the new facility. As the district prepares for the August 2026 opening of the new school, teachers are now organizing, auditing, and boxing up years of materials, memories, and resources. This is all in preparation for about roughly 90 staff members to start their new beginning.
LHS administrator Mr. Knuckles outlined the scope of the school transition and shared insights into how the move has impacted the faculty.
“This move has been bigger than every move before. Bigger than any of the elementary schools, and the middle schools, the cost of it is approximately 115 thousand dollars. And as for the teachers, there’s some who the first day packed up three to four boxes and they were already done. But there’s some teachers that have neared 70 boxes,” Knuckles said.
LHS staff Brian Griffin outlines what he is looking forward to the most in the upcoming school year.
“I’m most excited to not have to get to the other side of the other building in five minutes. Having time in between classes to do the lesson management for the different preps, I feel, will be a weight off my shoulders,” said Griffin.
LHS staff Olivia Barnett describes what she is most excited about in her new classroom.
“I am excited about the ability to have a better set up for my lab and project based classes. The additional storage and layout will help keep materials more organized for better set up for both students and myself,” said Barnett.
Like Barnett, LHS staff Justin Rysz is also excited for a new classroom with more storage for equipment.
“I’m most excited about is the shared classroom setup between my Computer Science programs and Mr. Smith’s Engineering programs. My room will house the computers and 3D printers, and we’ll have a connected shared space where students can access tools and supplies,” said Rysz.
As the date for the campus transition approaches fast, all faculty members are being provided with specialized packing materials, including labels for the boxes corresponding to their new classroom numbers. To ensure this relocation is as organized as possible, a comprehensive instructional packet is provided, outlining the step-by-step procedures for the upcoming move-in process.
Griffin describes what has meant the most to him while packing up.
“Most meaningful, for me, are the notes and cards from the students. I am a bit of a pack rat, and I keep way too much. But going through some of the old stuff from previous students and athletes is really meaningful. Anyone that has had me will tell you, I am terrible with names. But seeing the note or card, keeps my mind spry,” Griffin said.
Barnett adds what she appreciations most when packing.
“My personal items are the most meaningful but specifically the things that students have given me over the years are the most meaningful to me. I love the labs I do but getting to interact with and impact students is the best part of my job, so when students share things with me it means a lot,” said Barnett.
Rysz has found years of treasures all around his classroom.
“As I’ve been packing, I’ve come across some great “gems” left behind by students. One student last year created these amazing doodles on Post-it notes and hid them around the room. I’ve been finding them as I clean, which has been really fun. I’ve also come across old student projects I’ve saved as examples, and they remind me of the great classes and experiences we’ve had over the years,” Rysz said.
As the final 365,000 square-foot new Lancaster High School will open in August this year. Staff wrap up packing their classrooms to move from the old non-air-conditioned facility to the brand new, modernized building. And the current LHS will be demolished.
