Centre celebrates new addition

By ROWENA PLETT

Staff writer

As often, the landscape changes as progress is being made. That’s true at Centre schools, as well.

What once was a school garden has been replaced with a cemented circular drive that is used to drop off and pick up children from a new addition that includes two day care rooms, a kindergarten room, and a pre-kindergarten room.

A ribbon-cutting April 9 at the new facility was viewed by the entire Centre staff and student body as well as day care and pre-kindergarten children and interested community members.

According to Superintendent Larry Giest, the project began two years ago when, after many delays because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the district received a $1.86 million grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency to construct two safe rooms.

The district added $500,000 from its capital outlay fund to complete the project, which was finished ahead of its two-year schedule.

The addition was built onto the west wing of the school. In addition to two day care rooms, it includes a pre-kindergarten room and a kindergarten room built as safe rooms. A small extension to the north includes football field restrooms and a concession stand.

“We are one of the smallest districts in the state to have our own day care,” Geist said. “Today is a great day to be a Cougar.”

The ceremony was attended by several former and present board members.

Board president Eric Carlson described the new addition as an “investment” in facilities and students.

Sarah Sipe of Landmark Architects and contractor Cody Nelson of NF Construction, Marion, also spoke.

Visitors were invited to tour the addition after the ceremonies.

A nearby metal building constructed a year earlier as a weight room was used for day care until the addition was completed.