Turner Construction, in partnership with Junior Achievement, opened the doors to give students a “behind-the-scenes” look at the project in December. As part of the capital improvements approved by Jamestown Public Schools voters in 2021, the JHS cafeteria has undergone a total metamorphosis since crews closed the space in the middle of the 2024-25 school year. As JHS students and staff have adapted to these temporary adjustments, the experience also provided students the opportunity to learn about the people behind the work: project managers, engineers, master tradespeople, and more.

“This event provided students with a unique, behind-the-scenes perspective on a major construction project taking place in their own school,” said Stephanie Norrod, ECHS program director. “Because students see the workers on site each day, the experience felt especially personal and relevant. Students had the rare opportunity to understand not only what is changing, but why and how. Hearing directly from the professionals involved made this experience particularly meaningful.”

Project superintendents Owen Bean and Joe Redmond and other Turner representatives gave students an in-depth look at everything that goes into a construction project — from Owner, Architect, Contractor meetings (OACM) all the way down to a day in the life of workers on the job. Representatives from the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) also gave students insights into opportunities available as an electrician, outlining the pathway from apprentice to journeyworker.

Following the presentation, students were brought down into the cafeteria space, which is on pace to be completed in the spring of 2026. The work has included raising the ceilings and adding skylight into an area that was previously dimly lit. Bathrooms have been added as well and a kitchen renovation has also occurred. Additionally, a new staircase that connects the cafeteria to the school’s front hallway is also among the new features.

JHS senior Asziah Watson engages with representatives from the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers during a presentation by Turner Construction on the JHS cafeteria project.

“(The presentation and tour) gave a new interesting look as to how there are a lot more interesting jobs and opportunities that you can go right into after high school which allow for great pay, and continued education on your selected career desire,” said 11th grade student Pedro Cruz.

Senior Asziah Watson was impressed and encouraged by the opportunities available at both Turner and the IBEW.

“It’s clear that there is a lot of money to be made across several different trades in a project like this,” said Watson. “I also really enjoyed learning about OSHA standards and Turner’s commitment to safety, as well as the ‘Fatal Four safety hazards.”

JHS Principal Allyson Smith was grateful for the opportunity Turner and Junior Achievement made possible for students.

“We are incredibly grateful to Owen Bean, Joe Redmond, and the entire Turner Construction team for giving our students a firsthand look at the immense coordination and hard work behind the JHS renovation as well as the high-demand career opportunities available to them in this field,” said JHS Principal Allyson Smith. “We are excited about the progress in the cafeteria and look forward to welcoming our students and staff back into the space later this school year.”

Upon completion of the cafeteria, the Turner crew will immediately begin work on the high school’s historic “Old Gym” across the hall.