Students at Palatine High School are starting the new school year in style—with brighter, cleaner, and more modern locker rooms after a $7.4 million makeover that completely revamped the old, outdated spaces.
The remodel, officials say, was designed to make the locker rooms safer, more accessible, and better equipped for students and staff alike. Palatine Principal Tony Medina described broken showers, faucets, and lockers that had made the locker rooms unpleasant for everyone.
“We were at a point where we wanted to just have a better experience; not just better in looks, but also in functionality,” Medina said. “You’ll notice, for example, there are a lot more stalls to shower in.”
Although the showers are rarely used during the school day, they provide a more comfortable option for students who shower before or after school. Medina also noted that the locker rooms’ outdated HVAC and plumbing were in need of repair.
The remodel also improved accessibility for students with disabilities. Medina said the previous layout had several areas that were difficult for students using wheelchairs or walkers to access. Now, students have showers and lockers they can reach independently, allowing them to fully participate in the regular education experience.
He added that the upgrades were guided by input from the district office, the special education director, and teachers of the wellness class for students with significant needs.
“They just gave us some input into what we weren’t thinking about that could help all of our students have access, full access to locker rooms,” Medina said. “Mainly lockers, but also access to the shower areas and the ability to get into lockers, are much better than in previous years.”
Another notable change was swapping the girls’ and boys’ locker rooms, though Medina wasn’t sure of the exact reason. “When they presented the plans to us, this is just what they showed us,” Medina said. “It was a matter, probably, of space and functionality.”
Beyond the locker room upgrades, the remodel also created a combined office space for P.E. teachers. Previously, male and female teachers had separate offices in the boys’ and girls’ locker rooms, respectively. Wellness Department Chair Scott Hagel said the new shared office makes it easier for staff to collaborate and support students during off periods.
“There’s one location for everybody to come to when they need to find a wellness teacher in their off periods,” Hagel said. “It is really easy. There have already been a couple times where I’ve had a question for people in my department, and rather than travel to different locations, everybody’s in the same room.”
Hagel added that while the separate offices were helpful for supervising students in the locker rooms, the new arrangement encourages collaboration and still allows effective oversight, with student supervisors assisting during class periods.
The improvements aren’t just noticeable to staff—students have seen the difference too. Palatine senior Angelina Annerino said the new locker rooms feel cleaner, larger, and more organized than the old spaces. She highlighted the upgraded lockers, which are now built-in and allow students to keep the same one throughout high school.
“It’s a lot simpler,” Annerino said. “You don’t have to worry about switching your stuff between lockers. It saves a lot of time.” She added that the improvements to the locker setup made gym class more enjoyable. “Before, it was annoying to have to figure out where to put your stuff, but now it’s all easier.”
Annerino also praised other upgrades, including the addition of benches in the locker rooms, which were not available previously. “They make me feel safe and happy,” she said. “It’s amazing, and I’m excited to come to school now.”
With brighter, cleaner spaces, improved accessibility, and a new office for staff, the locker room remodel is updating facilities and daily routines for students and staff at Palatine High School.
