Construction has begun on a major expansion and renovation of Parkland High School that will increase the building’s size from 495,000 square feet to nearly 579,000 square feet.

The project includes about 74,500 square feet of improvements to the school, which opened in 1999.

Plans call for 30 new classrooms, two enclosed outdoor courtyards, a renovated media center, improved circulation throughout the building, expanded administrative offices, a larger cafeteria, a new athletic entrance and lobby, and 16 science, art, engineering, robotics and food labs.

During the Aug. 18 school board meeting, Jamie Bortz, senior project manager for Alloy5 Architecture, provided an update on the project.

Bortz said much of the work completed so far has taken place outdoors.

She noted that commemorative bricks installed by the Parkland Trojan Alumni Varsity Club were removed to make way for the new athletic center entrance.

“The bricks have been saved, cleaned and will be incorporated into the new sidewalks,” Bortz said.

Inside the building, construction has required the temporary relocation of artwork by renowned artist and former Parkland teacher Dr. William Swallow from its display near the library entrance.

The artwork will be housed in new display cases when construction is completed, Bortz said.

Superintendent Dr. Mark Madson said several administrative renovations are focused on improving school security, including secure vestibules and related upgrades.

The project is expected to be completed in fall 2027, with all areas ready for occupancy by January 2028.