School board members broke ground in a ceremony to memorialize the historic addition of an almost 7 million extension
to the existing Sherrard Elementary School.
On Tuesday, March 7, the Sherrard School District School Board broke ground in a historic ceremony to begin construction of a $6.7 million addition to the Sherrard Elementary School. It’s the first of its kind in over two decades for the district.
“When I was offered this position three years ago I could never have imagined the opportunities and events that would follow. As we tackled the challenges of the pandemic, the discussion of this addition also started and it seemed like a pipe dream - in the distant future, but here we are scooping the first shovels of dirt, imagining the renderings of the building just behind us and dreaming,” Principal Casey Wyant said during the ceremony.
“This building opens up so many opportunities for the future, opportunities for our school to continue growing and expanding our student population.
Opportunities to welcome in new community activities and events.
Opportunities to connect and share in our appreciation and mutual goals of supporting and preparing our next generation for the future and the world ahead - which even includes my little guys who will also one day be walking these very halls.
I can only imagine the learning and growth that’s going to take place inside of these new walls, just as our current building has served us since 1967.
It is an honor and a privilege to be a part of this moment with all of you.”
The expansion will add a total of 14,750 square feet and includes two classrooms, two conference rooms, and an 88’x84’ gym.
“Anytime a project of this magnitude is considered, we want to keep the ‘why’ at the forefront. Simply put, supplying this need is an investment in the future,” said Superintendent Dr. Carl Johnson.
“The district and the community are so closely woven together, numerous community organizations and events will have a new option for success.”
This investment goes beyond the physical spaces that we’re adding. It’s a symbol of pride, it’s a symbol of our community’s investment in the future…
When all of the students who are here with us today look back in 20 years, they can say, ‘My school and community did this for me.’ As a graduate of Sherrard schools, I do not say that lightly. I am still indebted to the start this district gave me and the benefits of which I assure you I will continue to pay forward,” he concluded.
School board members, Dr. Johnson and Principal Wyant turned the first shovel of dirt. Students joined in for a groundbreaking photo as well, followed by Sherrard Elementary teachers and staff.
Though the wind was brisk, a large crowd including teachers, staff, students, parents and community members gathered to commemorate the historic event.
TV stations, WQAD, KWQC and WHBF captured the event - WQAD went live for both their 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. newscasts, and WRMJ Radio’s Jim Taylor also covered the event.
Construction began March 20 with a completion date of December this year.
