The new CY Middle School will have two regulation size basketball courts, thanks to a $170,700 allocation from the Natrona County School Board.

Board members approved the funding at their June 23 meeting, after a recommendation from the board facilities and budget committees. Funds for the expansion are coming from excess bond funds.

Dennis Bay, executive director for facilities and technology, said the school's design team requested funding to add 700 square feet to its auxiliary gym.

The auxiliary gym is also home to a student health center, which will include exercise machines for student use. Administrators said the expansion will ensure the gym can better handle physical education and wellness classes, in addition to after-school activities.

Bay said higher enrollment was the driving force behind the school's request for extra space. CY Junior High currently enrolls between 600 and 650 students. The new building is expected to hold up to 750 students.

"It wasn't a design error," he said. "They just wanted two regulation sized gyms."

Because the addition is considered an enhancement, the Wyoming School Facilities Commission will not provide funding for the project.

Bay said he expects to open bidding for building the school's foundation in early fall. Construction could begin in September.

"The site is ready to go right now," he said.

At the same meeting, the board also approved using excess bond funds for $777,421 in enhancements to the Natrona County High School track.

Reach education reporter Jasa Santos at (307) 266-0593 or at Jasa.Santos@trib.com