There was a feeling of excitement from both students and faculty in South Range Wednesday. The district opened the doors on a new $38 million complex that houses all of its 1,320 students.
Ellie Stoffer is part of the first senior class at the new building.
"It means a lot," said Stoffer. "I mean, it's really an honor. It's history being made. The first class; I'm really hoping that we'll have a positive impact, and that we'll really be a good first class to represent this new building."
Administrators think putting everyone under one roof will have its benefits.
"We have the ability for our students to work with other kids," said Dennis Dunham, South Range superintendent. "Our high school students working with elementary students, the technology, the curriculum. Just a lot of enhancements that we did not have with two separate buildings."
As for the classrooms themselves, each is equipped with the latest technology.
"They're a little bigger," said Stoffer. "Each classroom has a smart board and a projector and just different things for us to use. It's really great. I think the teachers will be able to utilize the new technology really well, and it just will help our education as a whole."
South Range has been rated excellent for several years by the state of Ohio. They think the new building can only help them build on their past success.
"We have first-class students, living in a first-class community. They have a first-class facility," said Dunham.
