SHERRARD, Ill. — For the first time in more than 20 years, Sherrard Elementary School leaders cut the ribbon on a major addition.
It includes two classrooms, two conference rooms, two offices and a 7,000-square-foot gym.
Superintendent Dr. Carl Johnson said the community has embraced the $6 million project. The Sherrard School board surveyed families and teachers to decide how to design the expansion.
"Parents, many of whom probably went to Sherrard Elementary, are blown away by it simply because it does look so different, and it's such a beautiful facility," Johnson said.
Librarian Karen Millichamp is also embracing the project. With nearly 30 years at Sherrard under her belt, she saw the last major renovation to the library in 2001.
"Now to see this addition too, it's awesome," Millichamp said. "I love our school, like I said I've been here forever and it means a lot."
Millichamp also runs the before and after school program through the Mercer County YMCA. She said the gym is great to have as a space for the kids to run around in.
After COVID shutdowns and years of construction, the students who lived through it all are being rewarded with brand-new classrooms.
"They've been through a lot, this group of fourth graders, so it's great for them to have that," Millichamp said.
To Sherrard Elementary students, the space is more than just a place to play ball.
"It gives them a sense of pride that the community cares about them enough to put something together like this," Johnson said.