McAlester Public Schools announces that plans to demolish the Eugene Field Elementary School building, located at 2801 North A Street are moving forward. The decision follows extensive fire damage sustained earlier this year that has rendered the facility unsafe for occupancy.

Constructed in 1958, with additions in 1965 and 1971, Eugene Field Elementary proudly served the McAlester community for nearly half a century. Home of the Eugene Field Hornets, the school educated students in grades Pre-K through 6 until its closure in 2007. Generations of students learned, played, and grew within its walls forming lifelong memories and friendships that continue to connect alumni today.

After its closure as an elementary campus, the building continued to serve important district functions. It housed the Adult Education programs, Child Nutrition Department, and later became home to Key Academy, McAlester’s alternative education program for high school students until 2023 when the building permanently closed. Demolition of the building is expected to begin later this fall. 

MPS Superintendent Dr. Robert Steeber said the decision to move forward with demolition was made after careful consideration of safety, structural integrity, and cost. “While this building holds many cherished memories, it no longer meets the safety needs for a modern educational environment,” said Dr. Steeber. “Eugene Field has served our students, staff, and community in total for more than five decades, and its legacy will always remain part of McAlester Public Schools’ proud history.”