New South Elementary Ground Breaking Ceremony - May 10, 2012

 South Elementary students and parents take part in the ground breaking ceremony.

Hudsonville Public Schools offically began the construction of the new South Elementary school which will be located at the corner of Greenly Street and 24^th Avenue.  Board of Education members, students, teachers, administrators, GMB architects and engineers, and Triangle Construction members were all present and marked the event with shovels in hand.  Principal Mark Heagle commented, "The sun is shining today which is a great symbol of the bright future for our South Elemenary students and families."

Thanks to the support of the Hudsonville Community, the new South Elementary School will service kindergarten through fifth grade students.  The new South Elementary will be a 57,430 square foot elementary school that supports a three-section student body.  The construction timeline target is to welcome South Elementary students into the new building the fall of 2013.

"Over a year of planning has brought us to this historic point.  We continue to count our blessings and are very grateful to our Board, parents, staff, and community for their support.  This would not have been possible if it were not for the hard work and countless hours of GMB architects David Wilkins and Ben Perdok, Assistant Superintendent Art Bolt, Curriculum Director Karla Akins, South Principal Mark Heagle, South Teacher Diane Kahler, and many students and parents.  Thank you to all!" remarked Superintendent Ceglarek.

To address the rapid growth Hudsonville continues to experience, the Board of Education has authorized a four-classroom addition.  The addition will be supported by Hudsonville Public Schools' Building and Site fund.  Board President Steve Bowerman commented, "Over the past 25 years, Hudsonville Public Schools has nearly tripled in size.  With the State of Michigan only allowing for us to build based on 5-year projections, this will hopefully prevent us from being at capacity when we open the doors."

The new South Elementary School is a part of the larger bond issue that voters approved in May 2011.  Other components of the bond include a new 9+ building adjacent to the existing high school, new natatorium, new fine arts auditorium, athletic upgrades, converting the existing freshman campus to an early childhood center and other needed improvements.  Principal Architect David Wilkins stated, "It is an honor and privilege to work with Hudsonville Schools Board and administration on the new South Elementary School and all the projects covered in the bond.  Hudsonville does it right in terms of planning, preparation, and involvement of stakeholders.  Hudsonville is truly an incredible district to partner with!"

Assistant Superintendent of Business Art Bolt, Board of Education members Dawn Sneden,
Steve Bowerman, Bill Patmos, Jim Stuck, Mark Davis, Ken Hall, and Superintendent Nick Ceglarek.