WEST BRANCH School district to dedicate new K-8 building Dec. 14

Middle school pupils are set to move in Monday, elementary pupils later.
By JOANN JONES
VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT
BELOIT -- The West Branch School District will dedicate its new K-8 building here at a 2 p.m. ceremony Dec. 14 in the east gym of the new facility.
The building, which cost $16,819,904, was paid for through 80 percent Ohio School Facility Commission funds and 20 percent local funds raised through a 4-mill bond issue passed by district residents.
It is one of four major projects being constructed with the OSFC. The others include the high school renovations and additions that are almost completed, as well as the future construction of elementary buildings in Knox Township and Damascus.
On Monday, pupils and staff from the middle school will move into the new building, which covers 120,000 square feet and has separate art, vocal music and computer rooms for both the elementary (west side) and middle school (east side). The middle school, which houses grades 6-8, will also have a band room and industrial tech center.
The two levels will share administrative, cafeteria and media center areas. The elementary pupils are scheduled to move in later next week.
Participants
Board of education president Larry Romigh, Superintendent Louis Ramunno, administrative assistant Scott Weingart, middle school principal Matt Manley and elementary principal Jim Turner will offer remarks during the ceremony, which is to last two hours.
The middle school band and choir, as well as fourth- and fifth-grade pupils from Beloit, will provide musical selections for the event.
Also participating will be state Rep. Ken Carano of Austintown, D-59th, and Gary Balog of Ricciuti Balog and Partners, the project's architecture company.
Members of the community taking part in the ceremony include the Rev. Rod Doran of the Westville Community Bible Church and the color guard of the George D. Worth American Legion in North Georgetown.