NEW MIAMI — Construction on a long-awaited, three-phase project that will bring all 900 students in the New Miami Schools under one roof began this week.

        It is the first major improvement project in more than a quarter of a century and one that, when completed in 18 months, will bring the district's facilities on a level field with wealthier, neighboring districts.

Computer rendering of the New Miami Schools building. | ZOOM |

        And many say it is a major step in improving the image of this small, lower-income, northern Butler County district that has faced many years of financial difficulties, including a stint in the state loan fund that ended five years ago. Now on a firm financial footing with an income tax, attention has turned to aging facilities.

        “The new school is going to be a big shot in the arm for morale here,” said Donna Henley, a New Miami graduate with a 16-year-old daughter at the high school. “This has been a long time coming.”

        The $10.8 million project is being paid for jointly by the state and the schools. Ohio is kicking in $8.3 million, 80 percent of the cost, with the district's share coming from the proceeds of a three-part ballot issue voters approved 16 months ago.

        When finished, New Miami Elementary, built in 1936 and upgraded in 1974, will be razed. Grades kindergarten through five will join middle and high school stu dents at the junior-senior complex that will be expanded, upgraded and connected to form one, 135,000 square-foot building for grades kindergarten through 12.

        “It's an exciting time for our district,” said Randy Cook, who grew up in New Miami and now heads the board of education. “It's going to give our kids an opportunity other kids already have. They'll be able to compete and we'll have new technology.”

        Today, the elementary school's electrical system is so outdated that fuses blow when too many computers are in use, said Superintendent Robert “Bud” Bierly.

        “When this is done it will be a seamless building. You won't be able to tell where the old ends and the new begins,” Mr. Bierly said. “There will be new windows, new doors, new lighting, plumbing and air conditioning. It will be tiled and carpeted. The gym will be ex panded; we'll get new lockers, ...”

        The cornerstone from the elementary school will be incorporated into the circular front of the renovated building.

        The formal community groundbreaking ceremony for the project is set for 5:45 p.m. March 8 in the gymnasium. A separate program will be held during the day for New Miami's students.

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