New elementary school welcomes inaugural class of students

by Denise Gawlik

Brecksville-Broadview Heights Elementary School welcomed its first class of students back to brand new classrooms Sept. 6.

In the fall of 2016, the District formed a facilities committee consisting of parents, staff, teachers and community members to evaluate the condition, use and future of its four elementary buildings: Central School, Chippewa Elementary, Highland Drive Elementary and Hilton Elementary. The committee recommended to the BBH Board of Education closure of these elementary schools and construction of a new school that would house all students in grades kindergarten through fifth grade.

The Board of Education adopted the committee’s recommendation, and a 2.2 millage bond was placed on the May 2018 ballot. The bond issue was successfully passed by voters and planning, and construction of the new building proceeded.

Four years later, the new elementary school is open. The school is 190,000 square feet and is home to approximately 1500 students in kindergarten through grade five, as well as the district’s preschool program. The estimated budget for construction was $45 million, but the project was completed under budget allowing the district to devote the remaining funds to capital improvements at both the high school and middle school. ∞

Photo: Students enjoy lunch and reuniting with their friends during their first day of school in the new cafeteria at Brecksville-Brodview heights Elementary School. Poto submitted.