Apr 9, 2015 1 min read

NEW EAGLE – Ringgold School District paved way for construction of a new, nearly $43 million middle school by holding a public hearing on the project that drew a small audience to the administration building Wednesday.

Five people offered testimony on the project, some of whom spoke in support of the school while others said they were concerned about the cost of the building.

“We want to do it right,” board President Mariann Bulko said.

The board voted to reduce the building’s cost by constructing a 650-seat auditorium rather than one that would seat 1,000 people.

“I would really love for this building to have an auditorium,” Deb Evans of Elrama testified.

“Let’s get this done right for the students and taxpayers the first time around,” added Gail Glaneman of Nottingham Township.

The district, which struggled with the decision to build the school, expects to begin construction in October on a two-story brick building off Route 136 beside the high school in Carroll Township.

The building will have separate wings for each grade level, housing students from fifth through eighth grades. It is expected to open for classes in August 2017.