Cheney High School, at 460 N. Sixth in Cheney, is undergoing a $30 million expansion project, says Robert W. Roettger, Cheney School District superintendent.

The multiphase construction project, which was started last summer, will be completed around May 2020, Roettger says.

Lydig Construction Inc., of Spokane Valley, is the contractor on the 232,000-square-foot project, which includes a 94,000-square-foot addition. ALSC Architects PS, of Spokane, designed it.

The project includes constructing 17 new classrooms, an auditorium, an auxiliary gym, and space for concessions. It also includes renovating and constructing new commons areas, and modernizing the kitchen.

When the project is completed, the school will have a capacity of 1,600 students in one building, and portable classrooms currently on the campus will be removed.

Roettger says although he doesn’t expect large growth in student numbers this year, the expanded Cheney High School will have space for future growth.

To enhance safety and security, the entryway will be configured so that anyone entering the school will have to go through the main office, Roettger says. Security cameras and a building security system will be improved, as well.

Currently, the main office is about 50 feet from the main entrance, says Roettger, so there isn’t a secure entry.

Roettger notes that other work on the school grounds will include reconstructing the parking lot and reconfiguring a bus loop to reduce traffic congestion and ease student pick-ups and drop-offs for parents and bus drivers, Roettger says.