As the new school year began, the many  Riordan classrooms glowed with new chairs and fresh paint for the first time since 2001.

“I love it. The last time my classroom got a renovation was 2001,” said English teacher  Michael Vezzali-Pascual ’88.

The renovations lasted the entire summer of 2023, redoing classrooms and even building new classrooms 301 and 302 that were previously a part of the library. 

During the summer, crews also renovated the library, making it more inviting for students to hang out and study by adding more places to sit as well as a fireplace. 

Paint, carpets, student desks, teacher desks and furnishings, whiteboards, and window coverings were all replaced in the new classrooms. Additionally, both doors on each classroom were repainted using a thicker slack.

Minor holes in the walls were also patched, and molding was put all across the space at desk height to avoid further wall scratches.

Riordan High School approved a budget for new classrooms to accommodate the additional 200 students enrolled in school. This increase in classrooms provides more comfort for the increased student population.  In addition,  the improvements will help with recruiting new students for the years to come. 

Many of the classrooms were completely upgraded with new furniture including chairs, tables, TVs, whiteboards, and sheetrock.  The rooms are very similar to a collegiate setting. 

“I think we needed renovations for a long time,” said Lucian Opeña ’24. 

Room 301 is now the Digital Arts room and its former room, 114, was transformed into another classroom.

Students are pleased with the new classrooms and library because it gives them more space to be creative and more places to hang out. 

“I like the new library because it is way more comfortable and I like doing my projects there,” said Opeña. 

Each classroom carries around a $50,000 budget. This includes, TVs, new electrical runs, abatement, new carpet, blinds, furniture, paint and whiteboards,” said Director of Facilities Brian Ramsey.