Following the construction of McKinley our school system grew and prospered until 1913, when it became evident that our high school had outgrown its rooms and that practical courses must be established, equipment installed and all things made efficient and competent to fill the community's needs and to pave the way for educational advancement.

The Caney School Board discussed and approved a resoultion to call an election for $20,000.00 in bonds to build an educational structure for manual training, library and other educational purposes and benefits of public need. City population had leveled off at about 5,000 with the school population exceeding 1150.

The sructure was to be built on the same location then occupied by the Little White School House building which had been vacated by the school system in 1908 and rented to a local organization. The community was still feeling the effect of paying for both the Washington and McKinley buildings and was now being asked to support another major bond issue. While there was some opposition to another bond issue, there remained adequate support for the new educational facility. The Caney Chronicle reported in April, 1914 that the city voted its approval of the $20,000.00 bond issue.

In July the contract was awarded to general contractor Eugene Steadewn of Medford, Oklahoma. The building would have eight classrooms, manual training facilities, gymnasium-auditorium seating 1,000 patrons and a library. The building was to be constructed of brick and cap stone. Physical size was 83' by 97', 2-story with a basement and to be occupied in December 1914.

The building construction completion did not make the proposed December date but was completed in April 1915 and ready for occupancy.