Redmond High School students begin school year in portable classrooms amid construction delays

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Back-to-school looks a little different this year at Redmond High School, where teachers and students are starting the school year in a new group of portable classrooms as construction continues on the main campus.

The temporary classrooms, known as the “Panther Portables,” are located just outside the high school. School officials say nearly all classes will be held in the portables this school year, with the exception of gymnasium activities and career and technical education classes.

Redmond High School Principal Audrey Haugan says the portable classrooms are spacious, temperature-controlled and designed to provide as normal a school experience as possible.

“I think there's a genuine curiosity about what is it going to be like?” Haugan said. “Our first reaction from the teachers is that the portables are very nice. They're large.”

For teachers, the move has meant packing up classrooms and adapting to a new environment.

Social Studies Teacher Kelli Tusow said the transition will take some getting used to, but staff are approaching the change with a positive attitude.

“It's going to be an adjustment for everybody. And it's not going to be perfect,” Tusow said. “But I think everybody seems really positive and like we're adapting really well.”

School leaders are also working to make sure students, particularly seniors, still get the traditional high school experience despite the construction.

Seniors will have their own parking area, senior gold cards, and other new perks and activities planned by student leadership.

“We know high school is supposed to be special,” Haugan said. “We're especially concerned about our seniors having a great year.”

The changes affect everyone on campus, including students, teachers, staff and administrators. School officials say the focus is on supporting one another and making the temporary arrangement work.

The portable classrooms are not expected to be a permanent solution. Redmond High School anticipates moving back into the main building for the 2027-28 school year.

Until then, teachers say they're focused less on what is different and more on preparing to welcome students back to class.