New look for old Gerald school gymnasium

Posted 1/14/26

The majority of the renovations of the gymnasium at Gerald Elementary School have been completed. Students were shown the results at a celebration (complete with confetti) at a special reveal Monday …

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New look for old Gerald school gymnasium

The 65-year-old gymnasium at Gerald Elementary School has seen some major renovations in the past few months. Monday morning a gym reveal was held for students. Kindergarten teacher Jeanette Wildhaber helped students cut the ribbon (above) as the logo in the center of the new floor was revealed. Confetti rained from the ceiling (left) as students wait to see the logo revealed while seated on the new floor.

SUBMITTED PHOTOS

Posted Wednesday, January 14, 2026 11:56 am

The gym was built in 1960-61 by the Gerald R-9 School District. It was funded by a bond issue passed by district voters the year before.

According to articles from The Gerald Journal, funds were running low so the Gerald PTA voted to purchase the stage curtains for the district at a cost of $1,095. Installation of the curtain cost an additional $102. Bleachers and basketball goals were purchased by the district at a cost of $3,580.

The gym is now part of the Gasconade County R-2 School District which paid for the current renovations. This go around, the stage curtain cost around $15,000 and the basketball goals another $29,000.

New bleachers have been ordered but will not arrive until late February.

During the renovation, Physical Education classes have been held in classrooms or outdoors. As of Monday, students can now enjoy those classes in the gym again. After the bleachers arrive, concerts and other special events can once again be held in the school.