By Don Rutledge
Associate Editor
August 19, 2008
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| Cutting the ribbin at the new Sandy Valley ememintary school dedications last Sunday are from left are: Rock Van Fossen, Brock Bowman, Johnny fogle and Chey Schubert. |
An overflow crowd estimated at 750 attended the dedication of Sandy Valley’s new elementary school building held Sunday afternoon.
Participating in the outside ribbon cutting were six youngsters, representing each of the six grades located in the elementary complex, plus the five Board of Education members and two administrators.
Following the ribbon cutting, a program was held inside in the school’s new cafetorium which included an invocation by Andra Lehotay, a 5th grade student; Presentation of Colors by members of the East Sparta American Legion Post 244, and the Pledge of Allegiance led by Damion Hogan of Boy Scout Pack 157 with several members of the Nokomis Neighborhood Girl Scouts also participating.
The school flag - the first to fly over Sandy Valley’s new school complex - was presented to Mark Yocum, an elementary school principal, by Sam Medley of the East Sparta American Legion Post 244.
Following the introduction of guests by Board of Education Member Mark Crouse, remarks were given by Jack Sickafoose, a member of the Building Focus/Steering Committee, and Board of Education Member Kenneth Grigsby.
An enlarged key was presented by Robert McAuliffe, construction manager for Hammond Construction, the general contractor, to Jack Pottmeyer, representing the architectural firm of MKC, who in turn gave the key to Grigsby who then presented it to Sandy Valley School Supt. David Janofa.
A special video, produced by Emily Provance and Barry Busse, both Sandy Valley teachers, was shown prior to closing remarks by Rock VanFossen, building program administrative assistant and former Superintendent of Sandy Valley Local Schools.
During Sickafoose’s remarks, the building committee member pointed out the idea of building new schools began in February 2001 and after 2 1/2 years of meeting and discussions, the plan to build a new elementary, middle school and high school on a complex on 55 acres of ground located between the present high school and SR 800 was presented to the Board of Education for approval.
“The passing of the bond issue by an overwhelming approval made the Focus Committee and all others involved, proud of our community and their commitment to our youth and education,” Sickafoose told the overflow crowd which extended outside the cafetorium.
“During this whole endeavor to build our new house we have been guided by our own ‘Rock’ - referring to Rock VanFossen,” Sickafoose quipped.
Grigsby gave an interesting and in-depth history of the Sandy Valley School District dating back to 1816 when the first classes were held in a home in Sandyville.
He also noted the new pre-kindergarten through fifth grade building is the first phase of a $38.5 million commitment the people of the Sandy Valley District made and saw the future need of our most cherished asset, our children.
“Yes, we here today, are at the end of the line with the old, but we hold a pride in the new and what we the community have accomplished. With that, I thank the community for your dedication and support as did our ancestors before us,” Grigsby stated.
In welcoming the crowd at the outside ribbon cutting, School Supt. David Janofa noted this day was a historical event and thanked all the classified employees and teachers who had only 13 days to unpack equipment and materials to get the building ready for Sunday’s dedication and the opening of classes for the 640 students this Wednesday.
In his closing remarks, VanFossen noted the project was made possible through 75% state funding by the Ohio Schools Facilities Commission, along with the passage of a 5.9-mill tax levy by the voters in November of 2005 which included a half mill maintenance levy. “We hope you feel we have spent your tax dollars wisely,” VanFossen added.
“As a lasting memory for this day, we have a miniature dedication brick with an engraving on it for each of you which you may take upon leaving,” VanFossen told the guests. Refreshments, provided by the cafeteria crew, were also served.
Special guests introduced by Crouse included Ms. Debbie Cain, representing the Ohio Department of Education, and State Representatives Mark Okey (61st District) and John Hagan (50th Ohio House district).
The school district’s new middle school and high school buildings are to be completed sometime early next year and students are expected to be moved into the new complex prior to the 2009 graduation ceremonies.
Tours of the new facility were conducted by teaching staff and other school officials following the dedication program. |
