ROCHESTER, N.Y. -- The Rochester Schools Modernization Program is a multi-phase capital initiative putting millions into the city school district, where buildings have an average age of 80 years old.

For the district, James Monroe High School has become the pioneer building. For the past 3 years, Monroe High School has been housed within John Marshall High.

RSMP focuses on updating technologies while adding new facilities catering to academics, arts and athletics.

"Multiple art classrooms on campus as well as a music area, a band room and music recording studios," are just some of the new features according to Michael Schmidt, who works for the district.

"We are committed to offering our students the best. they deserve it," said Monroe Principal Sandra Chevalier-Blackman.

One addition that piqued the interest of many in the crowd was the announcement of a turf athletic field that will allow Monroe to host on-site competitions.

"Being able to have home games, literally have home games, is exciting for them. In addition, a brand new gymnasium, state-of-the-art gymnasium," said Schmidt.

So far, the district says that the plan is both on time and on budget.

"We have been able to dovetail an awful lot of different blended funding sources using a variety of grants as well as money from the state and our modernization program to bring all of this together," said Schmidt.

Monroe is set to reopen to students this September. The renovations are just one example of what is to come for other schools across the district. School officials say they will hold a celebration on September 8, followed by a home football game.