Lewis Elementary Kicks Off with a Sizzling Groundbreaking

Shovels at the ready (photos by Courtney and S Jason Cole).

August 21, 2023 – Despite soaring temperatures that reached a scorching 90 degrees by 11 am, a resolute crowd gathered to witness a momentous occasion—the official groundbreaking ceremony for the eagerly anticipated Lewis Elementary School in downtown Excelsior Springs.

The event, held Monday morning, marked a significant milestone in the journey toward modernizing educational facilities for the community’s youth. Despite the challenging weather conditions, attendees were undeterred, converging to celebrate the commencement of this ambitious project.

In attendance were a distinguished array of individuals, including members of the School Board, School Administration, representatives from the construction firm Newkirk Novak, and the architect team from Incite Design Studio. The collaborative efforts of these groups have been instrumental in shaping the vision for the state-of-the-art school that will soon grace the Excelsior Springs landscape.

One notable aspect of the ceremony was the involvement of local youth, underscoring the strong connection between the school and the community it serves. City leaders were also present, emphasizing the importance of this project in fostering educational excellence and community development.

While the groundbreaking was a cause for celebration, the journey leading up to this moment was not without challenges. Last week, the project encountered an unexpected setback when heavy rains led to flooding at the landfill where debris from the former school are being deposited. This unforeseen delay, however, did not dampen the spirits of those involved, as they demonstrated their determination to keep the project on track.

As shovels ceremoniously broke ground, the atmosphere was charged with anticipation, marking the beginning of a new chapter for Excelsior Springs’ educational landscape.

ESSD Admins and board members were all smiles despite the high temperatures. Left to right: Jaret Tomlinson, Melissa Miller, Darren McKown, Kalyn Goode, Tray Harkins, Troy Snelling, Jill Evert, Kenny Manley, Rick Strack, Mark Bullimore, Christen Everett

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