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Class in Session at New Indian Creek High School

Photo by Warren Scott - Students walk into the new Indian Creek High School in Wintersville on Wednesday. The 115,000-square-foot, two-story building includes updated science labs, classrooms equipped with 65-inch web-enabled touchscreen monitors and a larger gymnasium.

Dr. John Figel, a member of the Indian Creek school board, asked someone to pinch him to ensure himself he wasn’t dreaming as he stepped up to greet the many who turned out for the public opening Wednesday of the new Indian Creek High School.

He was among many who commented on the long road taken to reach that moment and expressing thanks to the many voters who supported a 6.1-mill bond issue that raised $45 million for the new school as well as the new Cross Creek Elementary School and renovations to Hills Elementary School.

The Ohio School Facilities Commission also awarded $18 million for the three projects, all of which were designed by Sol Harris/Day Architecture of North Canton and constructed by Hammond Construction of Canton.

Noting the other two projects were completed in the fall, Board President Bob Smith said, “This is the icing on the cake. This is the grand finale.”

Smith said the new school has security measures that will keep students safe while employing technology that will better prepare them for work in the 21st Century.

State Sen. Frank Hoagland, R-Mingo Junction, noted the role technology as well as a well-rounded education will play in preparing the Indian Creek students for their futures, while state Rep. Ron Ferguson, R-Wintersville, a 2004 Indian Creek graduate, said the school’s facilities will complement its excellent teaching staff.

Assistant Superintendent John Belt noted the attention to detail applied by the state school facilities commission, the architect, general contractor and others involved in its planning and construction.

But Smith said most deserving of congratulations is the general public, who supported the bond issue.

Anthony Mougianis recalled his disappointment upon hearing in the latest of a string of failed efforts to pass a levy for the school district and how it ignited a desire in him and others to change things.

Mougianis noted that late former superintendent Jene Watkins, who was mentioned more than once on Wednesday, had played football under Ohio State University coach Woody Hayes, who said, “You win with people.”

Mougianis said with that in mind, he and others set out to change public sentiment. Citing one of their tools, Mougianis held up a T-shirt distributed at one of their rallies that read, “Vote for the kids.”

The 115,000 square foot, two-story building includes a science area with five labs designated for chemistry, biology and engineering classes. Equipment there includes a chemical hood that allows fumes from gases used in experiments to be safely contained and released into the air above the building.

Teachers in each classroom have a 65-inch web-enabled touchscreen monitor and microphone backed by a sound system to allow them to communicate effectively with their students.

Adjacent to a colorful, spacious cafeteria are the school’s library, with coffee shop style open seating; office of the school resource officer, theater and gymnasium.

The latter includes a basketball court on the first level and a three-lane walking track on the second level overlooking it. Bleachers in the gym seat 1,000, compared to the gym in the older school, which seats 650.

Also near the gym is the school store, which doubles as a concession stand for indoor sports events, plays or concerts.

The band room is adjacent to the auditorium’s stage, allowing members to quickly enter with their instruments. And the auditorium seats nearly 700, with accommodation for wheelchairs.

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