JAMESTOWN, N.Y. — Spectrum News 1 recently joined Jamestown High School Assistant Principal Allyson Smith on a tour of a few of the many improvements ahead, part of $86.5M in state capital aid for construction projects.

"[The project will] provide us just some needed updates. We have an old building so it's going to be great to be able to better serve our community and our students," said Smith.

Like students on the second floor, who will be in all new standard sized rooms, with more seating and better technology.

"The overall benefit is new cooperative learning strategies and just new ways of learning," said Smith.

Outside the rooms, upgrades to the hallway include replacing the walls with brighter tile and new lockers.

"A lot of things haven't changed around here in the last 30, 40 years. So, just that feeling of community and that sense that they've been a part of this project," Smith said.

Some of the most welcomed changes are to the cafeteria, commonly referred to as the dungeon. A full remodel includes a higher ceiling, natural light, another staircase, new serving lines and kitchen equipment.

"This is really a time they get to socialize with each other. It's a time where they kind of get to decompress during their school day," said Smith.

On the flip side, students will be able to blow off some steam in the old gym. Upgrades there include a new sound system, floor, bleachers, and lighting.

“So, really giving kids another space. And that's something we're really looking forward to in this project is being able to give them those updates that they deserve as students and that our community deserves," said Smith.

Upgrades to the HVAC system are planned as well, all of which fall under phase two of the project.

Phase one includes infrastructure improvements to the bus garage, the Fashano Tech Academy, and Fletcher Elementary.

"Extremely grateful. Overdue is absolutely a great way to describe it. The most important thing is that we continue to have strong buildings that are warm, safe, and dry for our kids, and can provide the best instructional environment for our kids to be successful," said Kevin Whitaker, JPS Superintendent.

Like at Jamestown High, where leaders like Smith want to leave students with a lasting memory toward a positive future.

"Whether that's college, whether that's career. And really provide them a place where they were able to thrive and be able to learn," said Smith.

Construction at JHS is set for summer 2024, with hopes of having a lot of the work completed by the fall of 2025.

The statewide vote is May 16, and also includes selecting candidates for school boards.