MINERVA - A new elementary school marks the end of 10 years of work for school district officials, and they gathered with the community Sunday afternoon to celebrate that milestone.

Students have been attending the new Minerva Elementary School, at 130 Bonnieview Ave., since the beginning of this school year, and officials held an open house that 1,200 people attended at the start of the school year, which Superintendent Dr. Douglas Marrah said allowed students to get used to the school before they started going there.

However, Marrah noted the celebration Sunday was for the official dedication of the school.

The Board of Education in 1999 placed a levy before the public for construction of new schools, but voters declined to pass it. The board tried again twice in 2001, with the promise that the Ohio School Facilities Commission would fund 68.32 percent of the construction costs. The second attempt that year resulted in passage of a 5.1-mill levy that raised more than $14 million.

That money allowed the district to receive a new middle school in 2004, a new high school in 2008 and a new elementary school this year. The combined cost of the three schools was $42,270,000

"We truly have buildings now that that the community can be proud of, the students can enjoy being in; we've truly come into the 21st century," Board President Robert Foltz said, thanking the public for its support, enthusiasm and pride in the schools.

Both elementary principals had encouraging things to say.

Pre-kindergarten-to-second-grade Principal Michelle Nervo noted many people will miss the old school but promised, "Our children will feel as strongly about this new school as you once did about yours."

Third-to fifth-grade Principal Gary Chaddock said the new building will allow students to focus more on their learning.

"Before, the building was an obstacle, and now it's an asset," he said.

Several speakers at the event referenced technological advancements in the schools, which include multiple SmartBoards and a combined projector/DVD player with a sound system in every classroom. Every classroom features a sink with a drinking fountain as well.

For safety, every faculty member has a fob to access the building, and teachers can lock their classrooms from the inside in case of an emergency. Additionally, all windows are marked with the number of the classroom so emergency personnel can identify them when there is a problem.

Kindergarten classrooms in the building are about 1,100 square feet while other classrooms are about 850 square feet.

Special Projects Coordinator Stanley Shingleton noted more than 150 contractors worked on the project, and he congratulated residents for investing in their community through the levy. He noted many school districts are unable to participate in OSFC-aided construction projects because inflation prevents them from raising enough money to fund the local shares.

"This board has worked diligently to try to come up with the funds ... to finally put that last piece to the puzzle," he said.

Board member Susan Crawford reminded those in attendance that 150 years ago there were few homes in the area, and small schoolhouses dotted the hills.

"This is a progression and we're a part of it ... We are taking our children really into this century with schools that are updated in every way," she said.

Marrah said school officials will be holding another ceremony soon to rededicate the trees honoring deceased students and noted the school grounds host a time capsule to be opened in 2059.

mschomer@mojonews.com