Today marks the first day of school for the 2016-2017 school year, and while some students are excited, so too is Principal Ryan Huff. While all schools are open, today is a special day for Central Middle School as the building is being opened after the recent renovations that have taken place.

As you walk around the school you can still see the remnants of construction. Dumpsters full to the brim, grass still growing, and signs on most doors asking you to go around to the entrance on Southeast Delaware Avenue. The smell of fresh paint still lingers in the hallway, and tape is still on some of the glass in the building as the renovations continue. Huff says that he is excited that the students are going to benefit from the new facilities.

Huff says that the remaining construction won’t hinder the education of the students. While they won’t be able to access the entire building immediately, Central Middle School has worked out a plan for construction that will keep the building occupied for most of the 24 hours a day. As soon as students leave for the day, workers will come in and continue work on the building. Huff says they expect things to be finished shortly, including a gymnasium that will be ready within the next week.

But even though the construction means new facilities, that isn’t what Huff is most excited for. He says that the students are what he has looked forward to most about the first day.

Central Middle School will be holding an open house on Sunday. The public is welcome to attend and tour the new building.