The completion of the Eastside Elementary School construction project was celebrated with a ribbon cutting Thursday evening and it was a chance for former alumni to  check out the progress. 

Dr. Grant Swallows, director of schools in Warren County, said the now-completed construction was a much-needed addition to the school. “We are just really thrilled to be able to have this project come to completion,” stated Swallows. “This is something we used our federal relief money to help fund.” 

The director stated the goals for the school’s expansion were set two-and-a-half years ago, and Eastside was in desperate need. “We had two portable classrooms in the back, and part of this federal relief money is designed to give students a better environment. Those portable classrooms were obviously not the optimal environment for them to be in.” 

Nearly 7,000 square feet have been added to the school’s campus, including a new administrative area, a health clinic area and six new classrooms. “We’ve added four classrooms in the back of the building which allowed us to re-purpose some rooms, so we are gaining about six classrooms in the school,” he stated. 

Swallows also mentioned that much of his excitement comes from this being a first for him as the director of schools. “We are really thrilled. This is a first for me as a director. It’s the first project we’ve gotten to completion so, it’s a little unique. I appreciate so many people for this and the board’s vision to do this. We are really giving Eastside a first-class experience, we think.” 

Swallows also gave credit to Upland Design Group who designed the project and Romack Construction who built the additions to the school. The parking lot for the school was also recently repaved. “What we do is for the kids, not about buildings, but as a part of being able to offer a great experience and giving our kids nice places to go to school.”