In a special ceremony today, the District broke ground to officially kick off construction of the new Ninth Grade Center. From left: High School Student Nikolas Wanamaker, School Board Vice President Paul Coffman, School Board Member Billy King, East Middle School 7th grader Adia Boyce, South Middle School 7th grader Dasani Williams, Superintendent Dr. Mike Slagle, School Board Member Aaron Howlett, High School Student Mackenzie Glover, High School Student Malcolm Goswell, and School Board President Ruth Johnson.
Wet weather didn't put a damper on the mood this morning as Ray-Pec School Board members officially kicked off construction of the new Ninth Grade Center.
In a groundbreaking ceremony at the building site, District officials joined with partners from HTK Architects and JE Dunn Construction to celebrate the project.
The Ninth Grade Center will be constructed on district-owned property west of Ray-Pec East Middle School. The Ninth Grade Center is scheduled to open in fall 2023.
Funding for the construction comes from Proposition S, the District's $72 million no-tax-rate-increase bond issue approved by voters in April 2021.
This is the first step in transforming the campus into a full middle school-high school combination site. Future building projects will expand the Ninth Grade Center into Ray-Pec's second high school. The timing will depend on enrollment growth and future bond elections.
Read more about the Ninth Grade Center and other Proposition S projects. #propSprogress
Superintendent Dr. Mike Slagle welcomed attendees and thanked the community for its support, which makes the construction of the new facility possible.
Seventh graders Dasani Williams, left, and Adia Boyce, right, were guest speakers at the ceremony. They will be in the first class of ninth graders when the new school opens.
Important calendar information!
March 21-25 - Ray-Pec schools are not in session for Spring Break.
Friday, April 15 - No school - Good Friday holiday
Monday, April 18 - No school - Staff development.
Friday, May 6 - No school - Staff work day.
Friday, May 20 - Ray-Pec High School graduation.
Friday, May 27 - Early dismissal for last day of school.
