Kearney High School's PAW Addition Opens New Opportunities for Students

Kearney High School's PAW Addition Opens New Opportunities for Students
KEARNEY— Kearney Public Schools is proud to unveil the new PAW addition at Kearney High School, a 28,704-square-foot transformational expansion designed to enhance student learning, strengthen extracurricular opportunities, and support the district's commitment to preparing students for success both inside and outside the classroom.  An Open House for the public is scheduled for Tuesday, Aug 4, 2026 from 5:30-7:00pm.
The PAW addition represents a significant investment in the future of Kearney High School, providing flexible spaces that support academics, athletics, career readiness, and student engagement.
At the heart of the expansion is a state-of-the-art indoor field, providing year-round practice and activity space for physical education classes, athletic teams, marching band, JROTC, and a variety of other KHS events. The climate-controlled facility ensures students have access to quality training and instructional space regardless of Nebraska's weather.
The addition also includes a dedicated girls wrestling facility, reflecting the rapid growth of one of Nebraska's fastest-growing high school sports and providing female student-athletes with a space of their own to train and compete.
The PAW addition also features an air rifle range for the school's JROTC program, providing a safe, modern facility that supports leadership development, discipline, and competitive marksmanship.  That same area will be used by the KHS cheerleaders and Dance Catz to practice and house a golf simulator for the golf team.
"The PAW addition represents much more than new walls and new facilities," said Kearney Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Jason Mundorf. "It reflects our community's commitment to investing in students. These spaces provide opportunities for learning, leadership, wellness, and growth that will benefit generations of Bearcats."
Designed to maximize flexibility, the PAW addition supports a wide range of programs and student interests, ensuring that every square foot serves multiple purposes throughout the day and evening.
The new addition stands as another example of Kearney Public Schools' commitment to providing exceptional educational environments where students can discover their passions, develop their talents, and prepare for bright futures.
Fun Facts

• Precast wall panels in this facility total a weight of 2,649,986 pounds...the same as 200 elephants.
• Concrete used in the panels is 655 cubic yards.
• Automated tinted glass adjusts with the outdoor light levels.
• There is 1,857 square feet of Sage (tinted) glass in 84 individual panels.
• 134 additional parking stalls

• 16,956 square feet

• Weight of sand: 100,000 pounds

• Individual fiberturf blades : 3 million

• Video Board 13x24 feet

• Automated tinted glass that adjusts with the outdoor light levels

• 3,700 square feet
• Mirror Wall: 75 x 8 feet
• Air Rifle Range
• Golf Simulator
• Additional Swim Locker Room
• Restrooms and Showers
• Coaches Offices
• Additional Storage

• 3,608 square feet
• 2 wrestling mats

• JROTC
• Marching Band
• Color Guard
• Girls Soccer
• Boys Soccer
• Football
• Physical Education
• Track & Field
• Baseball
• Softball
• KHS Events
• Adaptive PE
• Cheerleaders
• Dance Catz
• Golf
• Girls’ Wrestling