Students returning to Brentwood High in August will notice a few changes about their old school. The 28-year-old campus is undergoing a second phase of extensive retrofitting of both cosmetic and functional fixtures as a continuation of last year’s work. The most exciting part? New restrooms!
 

Phase I, completed over summer 2009, included refurbishing five science classrooms and building a sixth, as well as remodeling the TV programming classroom, media center and attendance office. That phase of the construction was completed on time and on budget — $1.8 million — by American Constructors, Inc.
 

“Students and visitors will notice a clean and newer look with updated color schemes and furnishings.” Kevin Fortney, head of construction and facilities for Williamson County Schools, said.
 

Phase II of construction includes mostly cosmetic improvements, including new student and athletic lockers, and new or repainted drop ceilings for all classrooms. The entire phase, currently in progress, is expected to cost $700,000 at completion. This phase is being built by D.F. Chase Construction, Inc. and is currently on budget, according to Fortney.
 

Major improvements are slated for the Campbell Center, including new seats and the repair and retrofit of the mechanics for the telescoping bleachers. The cafeteria is also undergoing repainting and cleaning as well as minor lighting improvements.
 

One technological improvement is the removal of the large metal halide light fixtures in the gymnasium. They will be replaced by “fluorescent with high intensity reflectors.  “These are more economical to operate,” according to Fortney. The gymnasium will also receive new bleachers and a fresh coat of paint.
 

Perhaps the most noticeable improvement will be in school’s restrooms. All restrooms will receive new toilets, floor tiling, concrete block and accessories such as paper towel dispensers and soap dispensers. Additionally, water fountains are being replaced throughout the building. New fountains will have tiled backsplashes “to provide improved interior appearance.”
 

According to Fortney, WCS has used both contractors in the past, and all goes well so far. The work is on schedule to be completed in time for the start of the fall semester in August.