The construction of a more than $46 million high school campus is now underway in Dover, Ohio.
On Thursday, May 17th the community converged on what will eventually be the new $46,200,000 high school.
Nearly a thousand people attended the groundbreaking ceremony on Thursday, which included speeches from students and dignitaries, music and the release of symbolic crimson and gray balloons to mark the dawn of a new era for the district.
“Last night was a beautiful evening that focused on our students and the opportunities a new high school will provide,” explained Superintendent Carla Birney. “I am thankful for all of our community members who joined us for the celebration. We are excited for construction to begin.”
The idea for the new building began in 2011 followed by the rejection of two bond issues. In 2016 the district returned to the ballot and saw 54.81 percent of voter support to move forward with the new school.
In 2017 the district purchased and demolished several homes and a Dairy Queen to make room for the new structure. It will include a three-story academic space, 1,200 seat auditorium, and a gymnasium that will seat 1,809 people.
The new facility will be built on the site of the current high school on N. Walnut Street with the demolition of the oldest portions of the current structure likely coming at the end of 2019. Areas that will likely be demolished include the 1915 wing as well as the 1940 section.
The new building is expected to open its doors to students in January 2020.
Michaela Madison Reporting
