Colman-Egan School’s $6.3 million expansion project officially broke ground last week, marking a significant step for the growing district, with students, faculty and staff, and community members all excited to see the progress.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held Wednesday on the west side of the school with students and staff. The kickoff officially launched the construction of a project in the works for years, as more families and students move or transfer into the district. The school is currently nearing capacity, with several grades currently closed to open enrollment.
The expansion, approved by voters last fall, passed by an unusually wide margin, showing strong community support, according to engineers. The addition will include a new preschool room, six classrooms, a flex learning space, and a weight room.

It will also remodel existing space for Career and Technical Education.
Initial dirt work is already underway, with plans to pour the foundation in the near future, according to Dawson Hopkins of Puetz Design + Build, the general contractor for the project. Getting the exterior enclosed before winter will allow crews to work through the colder months and likely complete construction by early next summer.
Superintendent Scott Hemmer said that when the addition is done, the district will no longer have to split classes or close classes off to open enrollment. He’s excited to see students using the new part of campus next fall.
“This is going to serve our community well for years to come,” said Hemmer.
Parking and drop-offs have become more challenging for students, staff, and parents during construction, but families are adjusting and excited about the improvements. The expansion will increase property taxes by about $25 per month for the owner of a $200,000 home, a price residents voted overwhelmingly less than a year ago to pay to support the district’s future.