Central Elementary Breaks Ground

On Tuesday, May 23rd, district officials, staff, students, community members, and project partners gathered to celebrate the beginning of their $175 million bond program by breaking ground on Central Elementary School.

The ceremony was opened by Central Elementary students singing about CEL's 8 keys of excellence: Integrity, Failure Leads to Success, Speak with Good Purpose, This is It!, Commitment, Ownership, Flexibility, and Balance.

Central Elementary Student Choir

Then, attendees heard from Superintendent Mark Bielang, School Board President Randy Van Antwerp, Director of Elementary Education Kelly Jensenisus, and Principal Sara Wagenaar about the plans for the new Central Elementary and the need for updated elementary facilities in the district.

Superintendent Mark Bielang speaks

And finally, ground was officially broken on the site of the future Portage Central Elementary School!

Central Elementary students with Principal Sara Wagenaar

Representatives from Portage Public Schools, Portage Public Schools Board of Education, City of Portage, and more

If you missed the festivities, be sure to join us at Haverhill Elementary for their groundbreaking on Monday, June 5th!