Given an insider look at the high school’s newest developmental project—costing upwards of $10 million—the CHS auditorium has been stripped down to the studs and completely remodeled and dedicated as the Ron Mead auditorium.

Starting right at the end of the 2022–2023 school year, the CHS auditorium began its upgrading process. Through a community bond, this project has been in the works for roughly five years and has finished with its opening ceremony on October 14th, where the whole Chelsea community can take a look at the work put into remodeling the entire auditorium.

“We replaced everything—your sound, your bandshell, your stage floor, your pit area, all chairs, and carpets,” principal Dr. Nicholas Angel said. “You name it, everything will be brand new.” While the previous auditorium was still functional and a wonderful part of our music and theater programs at CHS, many of the programs offered at the high school have been heavily invested in, including the robotics program, sports, and other athletic programs.

The initial plan for the construction of the auditorium to be finished was at the beginning of the 2023 school year, but because of regular construction delays along with an increase in prices of both materials and labor after the pandemic, the opening ceremony occurred on October 14th.

With the opening ceremony, the auditorium was announced to be dedicated to Ron Mead, a longtime principal at CHS, predating both Michael Kapolka and Julie Deppner (the principal before Kapolka). “He was a strong supporter of the arts and helped to reshape the music boosters as a person perfect for the namesake of our auditorium,” Angel said.

The auditorium has long deserved an upgrade; while completely functional before, it holds many special programs and events for the whole Chelsea community.

“We’re excited because the auditorium is really a community centerpiece,” Angel said. “It’s one of the few places within this community that’s used by all age ranges.”