Parents, students administrators and community leaders from Hazen broke ground Monday (May 4) on a $6 million improvement project that will cover four new facilities.

“We’re not just breaking ground on these buildings today,” said Hazen Schools Superintendent Andy Barrett, “We’re creating opportunity for our students and our community.”

The upgrades consist of four projects that include a Pre-K building, an agri science building, renovation of the girls’ athletic workout space, and the football fieldhouse. The total for all four projects is estimated at $5.994 million, just under the $6 million goal.

“When we invest in our kids and our schools, we are investing in our community, our future,” added Barrett.

The estimate for construction time is 8-9 months depending on the weather. C.R. Crawford Construction is the general contractor on the project. The board approved the plan, which is funded by a voter-approved 7.5 mil increase in November 2024, as presented.

At the brief groundbreaking ceremony, a litany of school representatives took part in the ceremony. The Hazen School Board scooped shovels of dirt, followed by cheerleaders, football players, and pre-K students.