Rendered visual model depicting planned cafeteria/lounge space at SC, taken from the LT webpage.

Walking through the halls of LT, it is evident that NC and SC are more than buildings- they are the backdrops to the lives of thousands of students. However, many students, staff, and community members feel that there are many aspects of the school that are outdated and in need of improvement. 

Every 10 years, LT receives funding for facility improvement, superintendent Brian Waterman said. Currently, the school is in the process of planning an approximately $30 million, two-year project to modernize our school environment at both campuses. 

“I think that anytime you are able to update your campuses, every student benefits,” Waterman said. “It’s so important for students to navigate their way through a school in a clean, updated and modernized environment rather than an environment that’s outdated. We value that and want to continue to make progress.” 

The current renovation plans have been in progress for almost a year, with surveys and focus groups utilized to receive input from students, staff, alumni, and community members on what should be the highest priority. After several board meetings last spring, the goals were finalized. 

A major area of concern was the SC cafeterias, which date back to the 1950s. LT administration wanted to create a cafeteria that was bright and updated, and make the process of buying food faster and easier. When the SC music department expressed interest in an improved space for band, orchestra, and choir groups, it was decided to essentially switch the locations of each. 

A new music area will be created where the cafeterias currently are, and a new cafeteria will be built where the G-wing and courtyard are located. Aside from acting as a lunchroom during fourth and fifth periods, this new space will be a common area for students to spend time after the day is done. Adding a cafe which serves items such as smoothies and coffee drinks, as well as an elevator, is also being discussed. 

“The current cafeterias are very dated and dark, and don’t really fit the needs of our students,” activities director Peter Geddeis said. “We also have a lot of students that arrive at SC early or stay late. We have added furniture to the front of the building, but we don’t really have a larger common space. Being able to update this facility adds a feeling of modernity, and creates a more inviting space.” 

Additionally, 64 classrooms at NC on all levels of the west side of the building will be modernized: equipped with new and updated flooring, lighting, ceiling, furniture, technology, and HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) systems. Restrooms at both campuses will be updated to promote accessibility and improve overall student experience, and improved lighting will be installed in the fieldhouse and SC pool. 

Lastly, there is discussion of turfing West Field to improve physical welfare and athletic spaces overall. 

“I think this will be very good for the school because it will attract more people to get involved in music,” Donald Vuolo ‘27 said. “It will make the [SC] cafeteria better and make it more enjoyable to have lunch in an improved environment.” 

The current plan is to begin construction at SC in June 2024 and at NC in summer 2025. Geddeis said. However, the renovations will still impact daily life, particularly at SC. Students will likely be eating lunch in one of the gymnasiums, with food being sent to the school since a working kitchen will not be available for those who purchase lunch. Summer school will take place solely at NC for summer 2024 and 2025. 

Despite these challenges, it is crucial to continue updating the facilities and improving the school, Waterman said. In order for LT to provide the best possible experience for students and staff, the campuses must reflect the institutional goals being practiced. 

“We know that we are fortunate to have the resources and the campuses that we have, but we also know that we can do a lot more work to make them modernized,” he said. “I want these campuses to reflect the innovative, 21st century learning that we desire [and] to always be thinking about how we can make these campuses better. Only then can we make our school the best that it can be.”