Redmond High main building closed for school year after asbestos disturbance

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- The main academic building at Redmond High School will close for the 2026-27 school year after construction activities disturbed asbestos-containing materials, rendering portions of the facility unsafe to occupy. The Redmond School District is arranging modular classrooms on campus to deliver academic instruction for students.

The high school's gymnasium and Career and Technical Education (CTE) wing will remain open during this time.

The closure follows the start of remodel construction this summer, during which sampling confirmed asbestos levels in the main academic building were not compatible with occupancy for staff and students. Redmond High School, like many buildings of its era, contains asbestos that has been managed for years.

The 2025 Redmond School Bond, passed by Redmond voters in fall 2024, was always intended to address the asbestos as part of the modernization process. The District had initially developed a phased construction plan designed to keep portions of the building open while work progressed, a plan considered viable until construction began.

The initial plan changed at the onset of roof work on the building, when vibration caused delamination of previously identified fireproofing materials containing asbestos-containing materials, also known as ACMs. An environmental consulting firm immediately conducted additional sampling throughout the entire building and testing confirmed elevated levels throughout the main academic building. The presence of disturbed asbestos-containing material requires additional precautions and test results showed the main academic building cannot be occupied by staff and students while active construction continues without additional engineering controls.

Redmond School District Superintendent Charan Cline stated that the phased plan was the preferred approach but acknowledged the potential need for modular classrooms, a possibility discussed during the bond campaign. “The phased plan was always our preferred path, but we knew from the beginning that modular classrooms could be necessary, which was discussed during the bond campaign,” Cline said. “Our top priority is the safety of staff, students and the construction crews.”

For the 2026-27 school year, Redmond High School students will remain on campus for core academic instruction in the prepared modular classrooms. The academic calendar will remain unchanged. The gymnasium and CTE wing will continue to operate as roof work has not yet occurred over either of these sections.

A temporary HVAC system is being installed in the gymnasium to provide dedicated air circulation separate from the main academic building. While core academic instruction will take place in modular classrooms, CTE courses, physical education, athletics and other gymnasium activities will continue in the existing facilities.

Band, choir, theater and ceramics programs will be relocated to Hugh Hartman Elementary, which is a short walking distance from Redmond High. Specifics regarding these arrangements will be communicated in the coming weeks. The District expressed gratitude for the patience and understanding of students, families and staff as these plans are finalized.

Superintendent Cline emphasized the district's commitment to the community. “The District made a promise to this community to improve district facilities,” Cline said. “The district will continue to monitor conditions throughout the construction process and will prioritize safety. If circumstances change, we will communicate any updates with families and staff.” A full FAQ is available on the district's bond pages and on the Redmond High School website.

The remodel remains on schedule. Moving instruction to modular classrooms is expected to allow construction crews to work efficiently and keep the project moving forward. The District remains optimistic that this approach will keep the remodel on track toward the entire building reopening for the 2027-28 school year.