Heavy Demolition Begins on Perryville High School as District Looks Toward Rebuilding

Perryville, Mo. (KFMO) - Heavy exterior demolition officially began Thursday at Perryville High School, with crews starting work on the east side of the building facing Pirate Stadium.

The demolition represents a major milestone in Perryville's recovery following the tornado that severely damaged the high school more than a year ago. Although students and staff have been without the use of the building since the storm, district officials acknowledged that seeing the structure come down is an emotional moment for the community.

At the same time, school leaders say the demolition is a necessary step toward the future. Over the coming weeks, crews will continue clearing the site to prepare for construction of a new, modern high school designed to serve Perryville students and families for generations.

The future of that project now rests with voters. On August 4, residents will decide the fate of Proposition K.I.D.S., the Perry County School District's ballot measure that would provide funding to build a new home for Perryville High School.

If approved, the measure would allow the district to move forward with construction on the cleared site, replacing the tornado-damaged facility with a new campus.