Before the 2025-2026 school year, McCallum High School began renovations on the front office to comply with new state regulations regarding safer entrances. This was originally promised to be completed before the start of school, but the construction has continued through September, leading to the displacement of McCallum office staff who have created a temporary office in the library. While the updated entrance is necessary, the McCallum community has experienced issues while waiting for the work to finish, as the potential end date passes. 

Despite the promise of improved facilities and a successful temporary workspace, McCallum staff are counting down the days until they are back in the main office. But even the deadline is causing issues.

 “They first told us the construction would be done in the summer,” front-desk receptionist Sara Zettner said. “But now they are saying October 8.”

Principal Andy Baxa confirmed that there was no official end date, but that they were on track to move back in by the end of September. As the first month of school passed by, the finish date has now been pushed back until Oct. 31 at the earliest. While this is causing stress on staff, it is a necessary improvement to the school, a mandate by the state that every school have a secure vestibule for entry. 

“To follow this [plan], we needed to relocate the front desk, which set off a chain reaction resulting in the counselors and assistant principals being moved to new locations as well,” Baxa said.  “This [construction] enhances campus safety by allowing the office to have better control over who enters the building.”

Sara Zettner, the front office receptionist for McCallum, also approves of the security benefits. 

“In the past, we couldn’t see who was coming except on a camera, which sometimes lagged,” said. “The new vestibule will allow the staff to see who will be let in and lead them directly to the office.  

The new vestibule will have more windows and be cut off from the office to allow for safer entrances for all guests.

Another important and beneficial addition will be the new counselor’s offices. Nicolette Muller, a McCallum counselor, has been working with other counselors to make the temporary shared space work, but can’t wait for their new and personal offices. 

“I am so excited to see the completed construction soon,” Muller said. “Everyone, the office aides, the office staff, is so excited to have their own space.” 

These updates will provide the counselors with four new offices, a conference room and overall more space to work and meet with students.

Even while eagerly awaiting the much-needed room, some counselors have enjoyed their time in close quarters together. 

“It has been very nice working as a team and having the other counselors to work with,” Muller said. “I’ve liked having the other counselors close by to collaborate and problem-solve together.”

Moving to the library has caused disruptions all around the school, but the office staff has found solutions to many issues. Because all the offices are shared, the counselors had issues finding privacy for their work. 

“A setback we have had is where to take meetings so that we don’t interrupt another person,” Muller said. “We have all become especially mindful of our space because of this, and have found other locations to take meetings.”

For example, if a room is in session, Muller will meet with students at other sections of the library, even on the couches. 

Zettner has also adjusted to her space well by assembling the same desk system as in the original office. This is near an outside entrance within the library, so the staff can check and direct people entering the school. 

“I took over a lot of library tables and shelves to set up all the stuff needed for the office,” Zettner said. “Between the phone ban and new systems, it has been especially busy in the office. With this, there is even more confusion, especially on where to go. Some students want to enter this way before school or at lunch, and get annoyed when I tell them to go to the world languages hall. “

Apart from being safer, there are added benefits to the reconstruction. According to Baxa, their office is designed to be new, modern and welcoming. Many people are looking forward to seeing the new and functional benefits to the school.