Shovels carved out dirt Saturday morning as the Gardner Edgerton School District celebrated the groundbreaking for a new elementary school, just south of Pioneer Ridge Middle School.
Later that day, the district also broke ground on its new service center, at the corner of Warren and Poplar streets. The new location provides additional space and support for the district’s current maintenance service center on Gardner Road.
Top district officials, administrators, staff and families gathered for the ceremonies Nov. 8. Superintendent Brian Huff and Board of Education President Tom Reddin spoke during the event, which also featured a musical performance from Madison Elementary School students.
It’s been more than a decade since the GESD added a new school, according to the district’s website. The last school to open was Trail Ridge Middle School in 2014.
“Each new building that we open is more than a brick-and-mortar,” Huff said. “It’s a promise to our families and our community. This new elementary school is going to provide innovative learning spaces, technology access and a nurturing environment that embodies the district’s mission in empowering all students of the future.
“We’re also excited to continue this momentum with the groundbreaking of our new service center, which will enhance operational efficiency and support all schools in USD 231,” he added.
The latest bond approved by voters pays for the projects
Both projects are funded by a $100 million bond, which voters approved in April. Budgeted expenses for these two projects include $48.3 million for the new elementary school and $16.5 million for the new service center.
As the community continues to grow, the new elementary school helps the district relieve nearby schools that are reaching capacity, while also providing a long-term strategy for the growth, according to district documents.
The elementary school, which will be about 78,000 square feet, will be modeled after the Grand Star Elementary School design. However, the district is still collecting feedback and making design adjustments as necessary.
With the construction of the new school, Sunflower Elementary School will be converted into a centralized early education center.
Plans for the new service center
The district’s new service center will:
- relieve storage challenges across the district,
- include space for professional development and a catering kitchen,
- and provide centralized offices for multiple departments, including information technology and facilities employees.
“This project represents not just growth, but our continued commitment to excellence, innovation and community partnership,” Reddin said. “Let’s build on the Gardner Edgerton School District’s many accomplishments and work together to ensure that all students are well prepared for their future.”
