On Friday, August 30, North Royalton City Schools held a groundbreaking celebration to kick off the construction of the new North Royalton Elementary School located at 16400 State Road. Representatives of the community, staff, administration and city and community officials came together for a ceremony that included comments and reflections from Superintendent Greg Gurka, Principal Kirk Pavelich, and several students. These students included Carter Gaydemski, second grade student, Albion Elementary; Leah Gibson, third grade student, Royal View Elementary; and Nathan Olman, second grade student, Valley Vista Elementary. The construction and architect teams were introduced and then the ceremonial breaking of ground took place.
“Today is August 30, 2019. It is hard to imagine that in exactly two years from today, August 30, 2021, students will enter the doors of North Royalton Elementary School for the first day of school for the 2021-2022 school year. A lot will happen between now and then and a lot of changes will take place. Our world here in North Royalton and Broadview Heights is changing and it is changing for the better because of the great communities, citizens, students, parents and staff of the North Royalton City Schools,” said Superintendent Greg Gurka, North Royalton City Schools.
“One of my favorite educational speakers once said ‘Let’s stop thinking of school as something we pay for and start thinking about school as something we invest in.’ Eight years ago, my family made the decision to move to North Royalton because of the supportive community and the opportunities our three children would have in the school system. We knew we made the right choice when the community overwhelmingly approved the bond issue, a lasting investment that will ensure current and future generations of students with the resources and facilities necessary to achieve at their fullest potential,” added Principal Kirk Pavelich, North Royalton City Schools.
“I am very excited about our brand new school! I am looking forward to meeting lots of new friends and learn lots of new things, in air conditioning! School will finally be cool,”said Carter Gaydemski, second grade student, Albion Elementary.
At the site of the new elementary school, trees have been cleared. The soil is ready for excavation and footers to allow the skeleton of the building to take shape and be enclosed prior to winter. In the spring, the remainder of the building frame will continue to be constructed. The building is scheduled to open in the fall 2021.
“Today’s groundbreaking event represents another milestone for our school district. The City of North Royalton and our school district enjoy an outstanding partnership, ensuring our community will continue to be a great place to live and raise a family. This brand new elementary school is the final piece of the puzzle that will transform the education of our children in a competitive 21st century,” said Mayor Robert Stefanik, City of North Royalton.
“It is an exciting time in the North Royalton City School District with all of the construction occurring. The new elementary building will be a wonderful facility that will bring all three of our buildings together and our students and staff to enjoy the collaborative and flexible learning spaces that are being created. We are excited about the future and the opportunities the spaces will provide for both our staff and students,” said Jim Presot, Assistant Superintendent, North Royalton City Schools.
