Posted by Steve Lettau on Sep 21, 2017

After voters approved a $39.9 million referendum in April, the Grafton School District took its first step in renovation and expansion projects at Grafton High School, Kennedy and Woodview elementary schools by breaking ground in a Sept. 12 ceremony near the school district's offices.

“The district is very excited to see these projects get underway,” said Grafton Schools Superintendent Jeff Nelson in a district news release. “Through the entire planning and design process, we were focused on developing building solutions that would meet our students’ academic needs and ensure their continued safety, while also being fiscally responsible to the district’s taxpayers. I believe we’ve accomplished these goals.” 

The ceremony included a number of students representing each of its schools, from the elementary level to high school. Grafton High School senior Ian Bould spoke at the ceremony on behalf of the district's students.

"It was great to involve students because that's really what this whole process is for," Nelson said.

The groundbreaking is the culmination of a process that the district began with Hoffman Planning, Design & Construction in 2014. Hoffman will oversee the projects' construction.

“These projects address important needs at the three schools,” said Hoffman President Sam Statz. “In addition to enhancement of each school to accommodate more students and provide upgraded technology and athletic spaces, improvements in safety, security, and accessibility will also take place.”