End-of-school activities amplified with groundbreaking ceremony

LAUREL — The end of the school year is always a hubbub of activity but this year the Laurel-Concord-Coleridge school district is on overdrive.

The school system broke ground on the new building project last week and prepared the way for an architectural and building salvage auction.

At the same time, educators are packing up their classrooms to move to temporary quarters utilized for next academic year during the build.

Although it has been hectic and stressful, it was important to pause for a beat and celebrate with the groundbreaking event last week, said Superintendent Jeremy Christiansen.

Students, administrators and other key stakeholders were on hand for the event with each student getting their turn to scoop some dirt at the new site.

“This was such an amazing opportunity for our school and communities to celebrate this important milestone,” he said.

This is just the start of things to come, he said.

“The groundbreaking event shines a light on the possibilities that a new school building may bring to our communities, and more importantly, to our students,” Christiansen said. “I am so very appreciative for everyone who came out in support to celebrate, as well as for those who have offered input and leadership throughout this process.”

The architectural and building salvage auction is set for Saturday beginning at 9 a.m. with Creamer Auction of Hartington handling the sale.

“We do not expect for the auction to be profitable. Instead, we are providing this opportunity primarily in good will and for community patrons,” Christiansen said.

There will not be substantial furniture on the auction as the school intends to continue using the majority of the current furniture during this next year of transition, he said.

Future sales of additional furniture and equipment will take place after each phase of the construction project.

In other school news, the LCC School Board approved the purchase of a new passenger bus and it will be outfitted with school pride.

The board approved the purchase of a 2023 Thomas Saf-T-Liner HDX 48-passenger activity bus for $147,650. That purchase price includes the tradein value on the outgoing bus - a 2014 version of the same passenger bus.

The board also approved a partial bus wrap by Love Signs for $8,525. The wrap will show school pride with the school name and the Bears mascot baring its teeth.