10/08/2008 - Groundbreaking Ceremony for New Cortland Elementary School
The sun came out on Wednesday, October 8th just in time for participants in the groundbreaking ceremony to enjoy a sunny, outdoor celebration for this exciting new chapter for DeKalb Community Unit School District 428. Numerous elected officials joined with members of the Board of Education, district administrators, as well as teachers, parents and students from Cortland Elementary.
Voters overwhelmingly approved a $110 million referendum in February, 2008 for construction of the new Cortland Elementary School, a new DeKalb High School, and renovation of the existing high school building that will be converted to a middle school, renovation of the current Huntley Middle School for use as an elementary school, and the conversion of the current Chesebro Elementary School for use as an Early Childhood/Pre-K Center.
Due to the downturn in financial markets and other challenges, the District delayed construction activity on the site until several issues could be cleared. Construction is expected to resume on Friday, October 10th.
The elementary school remains scheduled to open in fall of 2009. The new DeKalb High School groundbreaking will take place in March, 2009. The new high school and other renovations are scheduled for completion in the fall of 2011.
Parents, students, and staff from Cortland Elementary prepare to sing the school song .
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Mike Verbic, President, Board of Education, addresses the gathering.
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From left, Dr. Jim Briscoe, Superintendent of Schools; Jim Mitchell, Board Member; Michael Lord, Board Member; Fred Davis, Board Member; Bob Seyller, Mayor of Cortland; Mike Verbic, President, Board of Education; Tia Robinson, Board Member; Andy Small, Board Member; Gary Gustafson, Construction Liaison; and Kim Lyle, Principal, Cortland Elementary.
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Cortland staff, parents prepare to help move some dirt at the groundbreaking.
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Regional Superintendent of Schools, Gil Morrison (from left) joins Kris Povlsen, Mayor of DeKalb; Bob Seyller, Mayor of Cortland, Bob Pritchard, State Representative; and State Senator Brad Burzynski.
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Cortland Elementary students help out at the groundbreaking.
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Trustee and long-time Cortland resident, Chuck Lanning joins Mayor Seyller.
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