By Don Rutledge
FPS Associate Editor
October 27, 2009
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| Taking part in the ribbon cutting ceremony for Minerva’s new elementary school Sunday afternoon were (from left) Richard Lutz, representing the architectural firm of Lawrence & Dykes; Minerva School Supt. Dr. Douglas Marrah, Minerva School Board President Robert Foltz, Board Member Susan Crawford; Stan Shingleton, project manager; Board Members Jan Kishman, Jeff Evans and Stanley Pennock, and Former School Treasurer Michael C. Pence. |
Sunday, Oct. 25, was a double red letter for the Minerva Local School District!
Not only did they dedicate their new elementary school, but also reached a ten-year goal by completing a $42 million building and renovation project.
All this was accomplished as a result of residents in the Minerva Local School District approving a $14,025,000 bond issue in 2001.
This, along with 68% funding by the state of Ohio under the Ohio Schools Facilities Commission, provided for the construction of a new $10.5 million Middle School which was opened and dedicated in 2004, extensive renovations and additions to the tune of $11 million at the high school and the newly-opened elementary school costing $19 million this school year.
At a dedication program of Minerva’s new elementary school Sunday, School Board President Robert Foltz told those in attendance: “This completes the project of a new middle school, high school renovations and now a new elementary school.”
In thanking the community for making the 10-year plan become a reality, Foltz said “they (the schools) wouldn’t be here without your support”.
Accolades were also added by Board Member Susan Crawford who gave a brief history of the Minerva schools dating back 150 years. She noted Union school was built on Grant St. in the 1880s and was used until 1915 when the high school (former Hazen Junior High and Middle School) was constructed on Market St. with additions in the 1950s.
Mrs. Crawford also pointed out the nine one-room schools were eliminated when West Twp. school was built in 1950.
The consolidation of grades K-12 into Minerva marks a milestone for the school district which at one time had some six area school buildings. They included West Elementary on US Rt. 30 at East Rochester which is to be sold at an auction this Saturday (Oct. 31) beginning at 10 a.m.
Other schools included Mary Irene Day school on Bonnieview Ave., which was built in 1937, closed and razed in 2009; Robertsville school, which was closed in 1994, New Franklin, closed in 1975, and Paris, which burned. All three of these schools were believed to have been constructed in the 1920s.
The present Minerva High School was built in 1965.
Dedication Program
Following a flag raising and brief ribbon cutting for the new elementary school Sunday afternoon, a program was held in the new auditorium which was attended by some 150 individuals.
Taking part in the flag raising were Charles (Chuck) Pearson, bugler; Carl Felger, who raised the American flag, and a five-member Color Guard who included Joe Pontones, Ralph VanKirk, Sheldon Stockum and Tom Jones, all members of Minerva American Legion Post 357, and Paul Hawkins, commander of Minerva’s VFW Post 3120 who served as Officer of the Day.
At the inside program, Minerva Local School Supt. Dr. Douglas Marrah noted the celebration started some 10 years ago with a building plan approved by the Board of Education.
“The best day for us was when the students walked into this new elementary school this fall.
Their eyes were sparkling and they didn’t want to go back to their old schools,” he added.
Among the dignitaries recognized by Supt. Marrah were Robert (Bob) McAuliffe, representing Hammond Construction, the building contractors, who noted the new schools are a real testament to Minerva and something the community can be proud of.
Mike Sumser, a retired Hammond Construction employee, who told the group: “I can’t begin to tell you what a tremendous thing you’ve accomplished for the children of future generations”.
“When you leave today, I hope you remember what a tremendous gift you have given. Don’t leave it now, stay with it and active - Minerva is A1”, Sumser added.
Brief remarks were also given by Mrs. Michelle Nervo, principal for a grades PK-2, and Gary Chaddock, principal of grades 3-5, who told the audience what is great about the new elementary school.
In remarks by Stan Shingleton, who served as project manager for the entire building project, the former teacher also noted the project was started over 10 years - “and now we’ve accomplished our goal with new facility for all our students under the leadership of the Board of Education”.
Shingleton also praised the construction team of Hammond Construction and introduced John Kirkpatrick, Hammond’s project manager, who noted over 150 contractors were involved in the school building and renovation project.
Shingleton also recognized Richard Lutz, representing the architectural firm of Lawrence & Dykes, and Bill Courson, who represented the Ohio Schools Facilities Commission.
Shingleton pointed out there are still two needs, neither of which can be funded under the Ohio Schools Facilities Commission’s state-share program. They include a new bus garage and administration building. However, School Supt. Dr. Marrah said later the projects can only become a reality when funding is available.
In his closing remarks, Shingleton signaled out Judy Wood, the Superintendent’s secretary, and Robin Fry, a secretary in the treasurer’s office, along with Tina Flanigan, a secretary for Hammond Construction, for their dedication completion of the project.
Shingleton concluded by noting the $14,025,000 bond issue approved by the voters provided the local funds to accomplish the goal on budget on time.
In closing comments by Supt. Marrah, he mentioned some of the conversations he has overheard among the high school students with elementary students, giving their ideas for after graduation, including some of the amazing work of distance learning and other curricular learning.
“That’s where I get my inspiration - especially from my four kids at home,” Marrah added. |
