2026: A Space Odyssey - Ash Grove R-4 adding major square footage with safe room

With the help of a large crane, the first wall of an incoming safe room is put into place at Ash Grove Elementary School the morning of Tuesday, May 12. The project is currently on schedule and set to be complete in December of 2026, with a move-in expectation of January 2027, said Superintendent Shane Medlin. Similar construction at Bois D’Arc Elementary School is actually ahead of schedule with an expected completion of October 2026. (Photo by Ryan Squibb)