Groundbreaking ceremony held for new preK-8 building
The Tipp City Exempted Village Schools embarked on what district Superintendent Aaron Moran called a “new chapter in our community and our community’s story” with the Friday, Oct. 17, groundbreaking for a new prek-8 building.
“We are building tomorrow together,” Moran told those gathered at the new school site on land between Tippecanoe Middle School and L.T. Ball Intermediate School off North Hyatt Street as heavy equipment waited to continue work on site preparation. Those on hand included district students, board of education members, school district personnel, and other supporters.
The building plan includes a three-story structure with grades prek-2 on the first floor, grades 3-5 on the second floor, and grades six through eight on the third floor. Each floor will include classrooms, flexible learning spaces, and support areas. The building also features two full-size gymnasiums and a school safety office. The project also includes renovations at Tippecanoe High School and funding to abate and demolish schools that no longer will be used once construction is complete in 2027.
District voters in spring 2024 voted to support an 8.68-mill, 30-year bond issue for the school, followed by the district sale of $78 million in construction bonds in fall 2024. The vote followed years of debate over the best option for aging buildings and failed bond levy requests.
The board of education was thanked by Moran for its commitment “to creating a safe, innovative and future-focused learning environment for our students.” He also thanked the community for its support of public education; to architects Garmann Miller for designing a facility that reflects 21st Century learning spaces that are flexible, collaborative and inspiring; and to Shook Construction for working to bring that vision to life with its dedication to quality and safety.
The Ohio Facilities Construction Commission was thanked for its partnership with the district on the construction project.
“The OFCC’s collaboration ensures that our district’s investment is guided by best practices, accountability and a shared commitment to high quality, efficient and sustainable school design,” Moran said.
