Unless you drive past Gibraltar Area Schools on a daily basis, your next visit might surprise you. The district is wrapping up its $29.8 million referendum project, which has removed some of the building’s aging sections and replaced them with a new two-station gym, community space, classrooms, cafeteria and office updates.

While some got to see the new spaces during registration earlier this month, staff started their in-service days Monday ahead of an open house for students and their families Wednesday. Gibraltar Superintendent Brett Stousland says it has been exciting to see the project come together and to see new and returning staff get used to their home away from home.

The building is not the only aspect of Gibraltar Area Schools that will be new this year. Middle and High School Principal Andrew Holdmann, District Nurse Stormy Gale and several teachers and paraprofessionals are among the new faces joining the district staff this fall. Stousland adds that the district will host a community open house Sept. 29 beginning at 5 p.m. in conjunction with the Vikings’ volleyball match against Providence Academy.