School Spotlight: Glenwood's New High School
In the fall of 2009, the Glenwood, Iowa community celebrated the opening of its new high school – a project that had several delays in construction over a two year period.
Upon approaching the new Glenwood High School, you see a striking two stories of glass window that light up the new food court and entry to the high school. “It’s a much improved setting for the kids,” says Terry Marlow, Foodservice Director in his fourth year. “It has made the kids and staff happier with their new commons area for eating, studying and congregating.”
In the kitchen, Terry is surrounded by an excellent and stable staff led by Michelle Bennett who is in her 16th year as Kitchen Manager. They both complimented the district on how it worked through the construction problems and now enjoy a great facility that allows their foodservice department to provide higher quality meals.
Speaking of higher quality meals, their new facility has also allowed them to make positive strides in their efforts to comply with the upcoming Healthy Kids Act. One of the nicer new improvements has been the addition of chef salads for their students and staff. Terry also says they are now better able to do some catering in-house for in-services and meetings.
With all of its delays, the $22 million project does have a silver lining. While the initial budget did not include many of the ‘extras’ school officials and patrons wanted, construction delays had the unintended (but positive) effect of allowing substantial interest income to add up while the money sat waiting to be used. These ‘extra revenues’ enabled Glenwood to complete their new facility closer to their desires. In addition, the middle school (the old high school) will now receive some remodeling.
Glenwood sits about 20 miles south of Council Bluffs. The school district educates over 2200 kids. Their foodservice department consists of 24 full-time employees and and 8 substitutes. There are a total of four buildings in the district.
Keep up the good work, Glenwood and enjoy your new High School!
Glenwood's New High School -- Click this link to view a slideshow of Glenwood's new school and foodservice area.
