Laughter and positivity filled the air on the grounds of Newcastle High School as gatherers prepared to celebrate the official groundbreaking for the 2022 bond issue projects.
Beginning at 9:30 a.m. Thursday, June 22, officials from Newcastle Public Schools, Nabholz Construction, MA+ Architecture and the community marked the beginning of construction on the $79,750,000 bond issue approved by voters with a 70% majority on August 23, 2022.
Eric Schiess, project executive with Nabholz Construction, led the festivities, saying, “It’s been a long road and a lot of people in the community have worked hard to get us to this point.”
Schiess said it was an overall community effort led by the school’s bond oversight committee, and outgoing Superintendent Dr. Melonie Hau and her team. He also welcomed Dr. Cathy Walker to the district as the incoming superintendent.
“Thanks to the residents of Newcastle for supporting this bond issue,” Schiess said. “Nabholz is firmly committed to producing a first-class construction experience.”
Dr. Hau thanked those in attendance — described as a big turnout for the groundbreaking. She said she was thankful for the community support and excited about what is coming for the children of the community.
Hau also thanked Nabholz, the parent support group, the bond oversight committee, and the Board of Education members.
“Everything we do is for the kids, and this is just the beginning,” Hau said. “There are great things ahead for Newcastle Public Schools and the for the community.”
Hau also welcomed Dr. Walker, saying she is a “fabulous leader.”
Dr. Walker said she was excited to be in Newcastle, and acknowledged the work that Dr. Hau has done.
“This shows a dedication to the district and to the kids where we all live,” Walker said.
Walker said she had been visiting the community and the classrooms as she prepared for her starting date as the new superintendent of schools, and she’s seen some great things.
“Like Dr. Hau said, this is just the beginning,” Walker said.
She added that there were some projects that the school system was not able to include in this bond issue, but those things are not forgotten, indicating they will be included in Newcastle Public Schools’ future.
Mark Kasulis, project architect with MA+ Architects, said the projects getting underway will improve the school district overall.
He added that Newcastle Schools’ planners and groups have been very easy to work with.
As shovels began turning dirt, several community members got involved — showing their support and excitement.
Among those were Newcastle High School seniors Clare Bebout and Jaxon Lamb.
Bond Oversight Committee member Randy Widdison brought his daughter Edyn, 7, who will be a second grader when school begins for the 2023-24 school year (photo in this issue of the Pacer).
There were other children, parents, and community supporters who took the opportunity to wear the white Nabholz hardhats, nab a gold-painted shovel, and take a photo turning the dirt.
It was a historic day for Newcastle Public Schools.
Without verbalizing it but with one mind, those attending were saying let the construction commence.
