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.

        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.

        New Miami Elementary, built in 1936 and upgraded in 1974, will be razed. Grades kindergarten through five will join middle and high school students 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.”

        The elementary school's electrical system is so outdated that fuses blow when too many computers are in use, said Superintendent Robert “Bud” Bierly.

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