Walpole High School has made several renovations to improve internal and external issues since beginning construction in the fall of 2024. These crucial renovations will help keep the 155-year-old school at its finest condition, including updates such as science wing renovations, the new Field House construction, HVAC system improvements and capacity issues. Parking and pedestrian safety issues are also addressed and improved during these renovations.

One of the main focuses of the project is to give deprived school and extracurricular departments the attention they deserve such as the STEM, music, athletic and science programs. This means expanding the spaces for practices and rehearsals that the programs need such as adding more chairs and tables and making the spaces more accessible to everyone. Classes such as English and history will be expanded to promote collaboration as well. 

“When we move out of the gym, that will get pulled apart and we’re going to build a music wing there. We’re going to have a band room, a chorus room and a presentation room with big bleachers that will have about 200 seats. That empties out the music room that we’re going to convert into a guidance suite,” principal Stephen Imbusch said. 

The new WHS field house started its construction in the beginning of 2025 and the estimated finish date is this December. Along with the field house, the WHS greenhouse’s estimated finish date is also in December. The greenhouse will provide fresh food sources for the Walpole Food Pantry and also will introduce new subjects such as botany that explore topics including ecosystem and hydroponics. It will be located to the left of the school, in front of the library.

Imbusch helped contribute to the renovations by first addressing what each education department needed. Next, an architect was hired along with a construction company to plan the layout. Afterwards, the cost and prices of the construction were planned out. The approximate cost of the entire renovation and construction is $36 million. 

“None of the money is going to increase taxes. Usually for a big renovation like this, parents have to go out and vote and make an override. Property taxes are only allowed to go up by 2.5% every year. If any renovation prices go over 2.5%, they have to vote to override. They didn’t have to override, this money was already in the town that we could access,” Imbusch said. 

Several renovations are being planned for the future as well. A vestibule, an entry space for transitions, is being planned to be added at the entrance of the school for additional safety. The entrance area will allow anyone who comes into the school to talk face to face with someone before they fully go into the school. This system will ensure safety throughout the school. 

“We’re also looking at creating a welcome center, which is going to be for people who move into Walpole, like a place where they come and register their kids for school and find out what’s going on around town,” Imbusch said. 

Work study classes are also set to take place there, alongside the tier-two career and education class. This will provide a sense of freedom for students ages 18 and up to work outside of the school, and those who have internships will be able to actually leave school. 

“These renovations will prepare the school for the next 20 to 40 years,” Imbusch said.