If a school district had a renovated school building last year, chances were it was not able to be utilized to the fullest because of social distancing and other COVID mitigation guidelines in place.

This year, however, with some of those things not entirely as strict as they were, a rural McLean County school district is going to be able to comprehensively use its renovated spaces. Dr. Lisa Taylor is the Superintendent of Heyworth Schools, she explains there is still that 'first-time' factor for a lot of people when they see the changes.

While there are some mitigations still in place, Dr. Taylor says they should be able to utilize the renovations more fully compared to last year. The facilities were purposed to have collaborative classrooms and a more 21st-century friendly learning environment.

Students returned to class in Heyworth Thursday.