On Friday morning, community members, staff, students and guests gathered to celebrate the official groundbreaking for the new J.E. Ober Elementary School.
Those in attendance heard remarks from Superintendent Dan Durrwachter, School Board President Mark Thrush, J.E. Ober Principal Kristi Surfus, Jerry Weller (Class of 1956) and Elevatus’ Corey Miller before the ceremonial turning of dirt marked the beginning of an exciting new chapter for our students and community.
"It is about creating a place where you will meet lifelong friends, explore creativity and discover what makes each of you unique," Durrwachter said during his speech, speaking directly to the near 700 current J.E. Ober students who were in attendance at the ceremony.
"Years from now, many of you will look back and remember classrooms where you learned to read, the playground where you laughed with friends and the teachers who encouraged you in the moments that help shape your future."
The new school represents a long-term investment in modern learning environments designed to support student success, well-being, and growth for generations of Railroaders to come.
The project, developed alongside The Hagerman Group and Elevatus Architecture, reflects months of careful planning and facility assessment aimed at meeting the district’s current and future educational goals. After evaluating both renovation and replacement options, district leadership determined that a new school would deliver the greatest educational impact and flexibility for years to come.
To keep up with the changes to J.E. Ober Elementary, follow this page: The New J.E. Ober Elementary
Members of the School Board and the School Corporation Board (L-R): Dottie Fuentes, Mark Thrush, Brent Weller, Jerry Weller, Ron Dicke, Luke Ice and Terry Yarde.