Tejas Gokhale

Construction is in full swing as Pleasant Valley expands with five new science classrooms. The expansion addresses the growing congestion on the upper floor.

The Pleasant Valley district is ever-growing. Because of this growth, the district is constantly working to accommodate more students by expanding their buildings.

Bettendorf is seeing a surge of residential and commercial development. Unlike the west side of the city, the east has not been commercialized yet. Most of the land has been reserved for farming and state-owned recreational space, but in recent years, builders have begun constructing houses as families move in. In addition, small companies like Tri-City are flourishing, bringing new industries to the area.

Many educational institutions like Pleasant Valley High School and Scott Community College have seen significant growth in their student bodies in recent years. Between 2019 and 2020, there were 5,244 students in the district. Today, there are approximately 5,700 students, an increase of 8.7% percent in 5 years.

If the student population continues to expand at this rate, more than 6,100 students will attend Pleasant Valley in 2029. To mitigate the impact of this influx, the district spent $16.5 million to expand the Forest Grove elementary, junior high and high school.

Starting in 2023, Pleasant Valley completed a new plan for additions to the high school cafeteria. “When we look at the expansion, our goal is larger cafeteria space. Entering and leaving the cafeteria is an issue for students right now,” Superintendent Brian Strusz shared.

Expanding the high school reduces student density in the hallways, allowing students to move more freely and feel less cramped. “Adding five science classrooms will hopefully reduce congestion. We want to make the experience for students as streamlined as possible,” Strusz stated.

Some teachers recognize construction as a necessary part of school life, but it can nonetheless be disruptive. The situation is especially challenging in the science wing, located next to the construction area. Chemistry teacher Abby DeBaillie described: “It’s not too bad right now, but the vibrations can be distracting, and I worry about how it’ll be later on.”

Spending $16.5 million came at a price. The district has little money left to focus on persistent problems such as multiple roof leakages, WiFi dead zones and air conditioning issues. Students are feeling frustrated with these maintenance issues. Senior Landon Wiese shared, “It feels like we’re just patching things up rather than fixing them for good.”

As Pleasant Valley expands, the ongoing investment in new classroom space will likely consume a significant portion of the school’s budget. However, the district’s ever-expanding student population may continue to outpace these efforts, leading to a constant demand for more resources. Without a strategic long-term plan, the cycle of construction could struggle to keep up with the needs of the community.