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WINONA -- Plans are underway for a new state-of-the-art science lab at Winona High School.

Winona Separate School District Superintendent Dr. Randy Poss said the district is working on several improvements at Winona schools, but a new science lab is a priority for him and the Winona School Board.

“We have applied for a Qualified School Construction bond to renovate the high school’s science lab,” Poss said. “We hope to make it state-of-the-art for chemistry, biology, zoology, and physics. We want to create a great lab experience for the students.”

Poss said emphasis on improving the district’s science program is due to Mississippi students lack of strong skills in laboratory sciences.

“We want to go above and beyond with the lab constantly changing as we need to [when technology improves].”

Poss said the cost of the project will be approximately $150,000, and the Qualified School Construction bond, part of stimulus funding, is a no interest, long term loan the school will pay back in 15 years.

“We hope to renovate the current lab in Winona High School, add science tables with all the necessary tools like water and gas along with capabilities for computer and other technology,” Poss said. “The plans are drawn, but we are still considering what needs to be done to build a lab that meets the needs of the students and the school.”

Winona School Board member Dr. Keith Rushing said Winona Separate School District is trying to create the best science lab in the state.

“We really want to make it top-notch,” Rushing said. “This has been a high priority for the district for some time now.”

Rushing, a doctor in Winona, said when he began his education at Mississippi State University, he was shocked at the enormity of laboratory science on the university level.

“I was never exposed to the lab experience at that level,” Rushing said. “If you aren’t exposed to it, you don’t get excited about it. We have a great science program now, but with a state-of-the-art science lab, we can make it fun for the students.”

Rushing said in Winona, students have a great opportunity to further their education with the Sumner Grant, and the Winona schools need to provide the proper tools and background to give them the best education.

“At the college level, there is a lot of laboratory study for chemistry and biology,” he said. “We do some, but its not what they need. We’ve got great science teachers, and we already have a great science curriculum. Our lab is just out of date.”

Other improvements on the horizon for Winona schools are a new multi-purpose room for Winona Elementary School, new outdoor walkways and a new surface on the parking lot at Winona High School, and improvements to the facade of Winona High School.

“We want to make the school more inviting with easier access for parents to let students out,” Poss said. “We want to maintain the character of the school, but improve the aesthetics. There will be more enhancements than changes.”