No more crossing the streets to get to the cafeteria for Amherst Public Schools students.

The schools will soon have their grades K-12 in the same building as a $9.1M bond was approved by voters earlier this week.

The addition will be around 51,801 square feet of new construction and 12,504 square feet of renovated areas.

Amherst Public Schools Superintendent Matt Gordon said the bond will allow the addition of classrooms for the lower elementary grades to the main building.

The school will also add a new kitchen, a common area, multipurpose rooms, classrooms focused on ag industrial technology classes and a new shop.

Gordon said that one of the most important additions is a safe entrance for the students as now they will all be under the same roof.

“It has actually been great to see the community come out," Gordon said. "Looking at similar bond special elections, the average is about 55-60% turn-out, and we were 65% turn-out."

Construction will start officially in April. Gordon said by fall 2023 the project will be completed.

Phase 1 of construction will take over the north side of the school. According to Gordon, this will allow the school to keep having classes before summer 2022.

Gordon says it's exciting to have the bond approved, adding that it’s great to see the community support.

"That willingness to come out and say, ‘Hey, we care about the school and our community’. Now it’s time for the real work to begin," Gordon said.