By Gari Voss
The official groundbreaking for the new Allegan Elementary School occurred on October 20, 2023. After a weather postponement from October 13th, architects, contractors, school board members, building administrators, the Allegan High School band, teachers, parents, students, and community members gathered on the newly cleared land behind L.E. White Middle School.
As the sky alternated between clouds and sun, the crowd milled about catching with colleagues, friends and neighbors until 5pm. The groundbreaking began with Superintendent James Antoine welcoming all in attendance then inviting the Allegan High School Band to begin the Allegan Fight Song.
After thanking the voters for passing the millage, architects and contractors who have already impacted district improvements to L.E. White Middle School and Allegan High School, Antoine moved into what this new elementary complex will achieve.
“Just think about the fact that students will receive more services – music, physical education, counseling, occupational and speech therapy, psychological assessments, and at risk support because our specialists no longer have to travel. Right now, our support staff is spread throughout the district and lose time traveling between schools. Students requiring special education must travel to Dawson rather than attend their home school of West Ward or Pine Trails. Being able to provide services on one site is phenomenal. Our PTOs are amazing. They are small but mighty. Just think what they can do when they join forces and have one common goal.”
Antoine went on to stress that there will be balanced class sizes. Being in one location will improve collaboration between teachers, and collaboration leads to school improvement. Meals will be prepared in the new elementary kitchen rather than at the high school and transported.
“Safety will be improved with the entry system and monitoring,” continued Antoine. “The School Resource Officers will be closer as they cover the high school, middle school and elementary. This will create a safer environment for all students.”
Antoine stated, “We will all be Tigers. There will not be competition between elementary schools. To those who supported the bond, I want to say a huge thank you. I really appreciate it.”
After the Board of Education and the Central Office administers took their turns at the shovels, the current school administrators flung some dirt before the shovels were handed over to the children who are looking forward to attending the new elementary school.
It will be two-three years before construction is complete, but everyone will be watching the transformation of the acres of roots and stumps into a K-5 academic facility.