The original Renton High building was built in 1911. The first building had three floors with a bell tower. Later in 1932, a larger school was built to replace the current one. Renton High School is due for some major renovations in the coming years. The plan is to expand by ten more acres across Tobin Street and up towards Airport Way. The Renton School District currently owns 28 out of the 42 properties that it plans to demolish for the new school, while it is in agreement with an additional 5; the rest are still in negotiations. With the contracting company Skanska, the first order of business is to demolish the current student parking lot, which will later be incorporated into the land on which the school is built. Along with that will be a brand-new three-story building, a multi-purpose practice field for our student athletes, a total of six tennis courts, a new baseball and softball field, and new batting cages. There will be a brand-new gym with new bleachers, a main gym, an auxiliary gym, and an indoor walking track. The iconic building will remain the same, with a few modifications that will be used as the district offices for staff, club meeting space, long-term storage, and support, but not as an active educational space.

Residents of Renton impacted by the planned expansion of Renton High School are experiencing a difficult time as the Renton School District moves forward with efforts to enlarge the school campus. The expansion is intended to accommodate growing student enrollment and improve educational facilities. Some homes located directly across from the school are part of the newly constructed area, and homeowners are being approached with offers based on market value through the legal process of Eminent Domain. While the process brings challenges such as adjusting to relocation and navigating current housing costs, the district has stated its commitment to working with affected residents fairly and respectfully, ensuring that those who must move are given proper compensation. They currently have 28 out of 42 houses.

We asked Maizey Wheeler, an 11th grader at Renton High School, “How do you feel about the new school?” She said that she has mixed feelings. At first, she was feeling sad since this school has so many memories for her, and it is such a great and welcoming place. She had always loved this school and was sad to think that one day, when she came back to visit, it would all be different. She also said that she is excited for the new school and for the new students to experience it, and she hopes that they will enjoy it. We asked another student, Marcus LeMay, also an 11th grader at Renton High, the same question, and he said that he was not completely sure how he felt. Considering that it is going to be a lot bigger and nicer, with more bathrooms and more resources for students, he does not believe that everyone is going to get to class within five minutes. He expressed some concerns about the mixed bathrooms and how the 30-minute lunch will work for the whole school.

Overall, the Renton High School community is looking forward to the new school, which is expected to be completed around the year 2030. It will take patience, but the students and staff are enthusiastic to see the plans come to life. We know it’ll be worth it for the future students coming to Renton High School. The advanced classrooms, improved resources, and enhanced spaces for students to study and collaborate will be amazing! This project is an investment in the Renton community’s youth, ensuring they have support and access to opportunities that align with their interests to achieve their full potential. We are appreciative of the Renton School District for putting this plan into action.