Elcho School Dedication Saturday

Twenty-eight months after a successful referendum, the Elcho school district is celebrating.

The district will hold a dedication ceremony for its new building, approved by voters in a November, 2016 referendum election, on Saturday. There will be a short program beginning at 10 a.m. in the new school theater followed by tours from 10:30 a.m. to noon.

The program will open with the national anthem performed by the high school choir and welcoming remarks by District Administrator Bill Fisher.

Other speakers will include Dave Visser, school board president; 35th District Rep. Mary Felzkowski; Cole Kupfer representing the students; and alumnus Lisa Haefs, who will speak on the school’s history and legacy in the community.

The referendum, approved by a 57 to 43 percent margin, provided the funding for a new gymnasium and fitness center, demolition and replacement of the 1940 elementary wing and other improvements.

Ground was broken five months later.

In addition to removing the elementary building, the project moved the main office and entrance from the south to north end of the school complex; added a fieldhouse with a seating capacity of 1,200; and revamp existing locker rooms and music and band areas. The existing library was downsized, with a portion turned over to an early childhood center, accessible from a separate southside entrance.

New construction also included a community fitness center, commons/cafeteria with seating for 300 to 350 and an adjoining kitchen; technology education and a mix of classrooms.

Source: Antigo Daily Journal