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‘A Long Time Coming’: Hundreds turn out for Bellefonte Elementary School grand opening

By LAURA JAMESON 5 min read

BELLEFONTE -- What was once described as a "field of dreams" by former Bellefonte Area School District Superintendent Dr. Tammie Burnaford has become a reality, as members of the community turned out in droves to celebrate the grand opening of the new Bellefonte Elementary School.

With sunny skies and excitement in the air, attendees on Wednesday evening were treated to performances by the Bellefonte High School Marching Band, cheerleaders and color guard prior to the ceremonial ribbon cutting.

Before the ribbon was cut by district officials, incoming students at the building and local elected officials, a few of the key players within the project took a moment to reflect on the project.

Burnaford, who now serves as a consultant for SitelogIQ which oversaw the design of the project, told those in attendance the project was "a long time coming."

Burnaford reflected on the years it took for the district to get to this point, which brought together a multitude of community stakeholders from the former Bellefonte and Benner Township elementary schools, board members past and present, administrators and more.

Though no longer at the helm of the district, Burnaford said she was thrilled to see this work pay off.

"It's even greater to see the project through to fruition," she said.

Burnaford read a poem, "The Bridge Builder" by Will Allen Dromgoole, which she said perfectly encapsulated what the new building was about.

"It challenges us to see that each of us can make a meaningful difference," she said.

At its groundbreaking two years prior, Burnaford said she had described the empty field along Airport Road as a "field of dreams" with a lot of potential.

"That dream is now a reality," she said, noting the school will grow into a place where its students can grow and thrive academically and beyond.

Burnaford thanked a number of those who helped make the project a reality, apologizing for being unable to list every individual on a long list.

Next to speak was Superintendent Dr. Roy Rakszawski.

"Today marks an exciting new beginning for the Bellefonte Elementary community," he said.

Rakszawski acknowledged the difficulties involved leading up to the construction of the facility, particularly the loss of two long-time schools.

However, he noted the district's goal is to honor the rich culture and history from each within the walls of the new Bellefonte Elementary.

"This is about carrying those things forward," he said.

The design of the facility, he said, took into account education, history and more.

"These considerations were never in competition," he noted. "You'll see all of it reflected inside."

Rakszawski noted a project as large as this takes successful collaboration to come to fruition.

He thanked the community members and taxpayers for trusting in the district's vision; the board members past and present who continued to support the project and the students and staff who worked tirelessly throughout the transition.

"This school is more than bricks and mortar. It's an investment in our students," he said.

BASD Board President Jon Guizar also took a moment to speak during the event.

Before beginning, Guizar asked those gathered at the building's new entrance to take a look around at the building and, once inside, do the same.

"This all exists because of you, the taxpayers, that invested in public education," he said.

He noted this building represents a promise to students that every child within the Bellefonte community deserves a place to "live, grow and dream" emphasizing that proper education helps push communities forward.

To the students about to enter Bellefonte Elementary School on Sept. 1, he encouraged them to fill this new building with curiosity and care.

To the staff, he noted it was a tool through which they can help set a path forward for the students who walk inside.

State Reps. Kerry Benninghoff and Paul Takac also took a moment to speak at the ceremony, both emphasizing the impact public education has on each child and the importance of proper facilities.

Last to speak were Bellefonte Elementary principals Mike Baughman and Daniel Park.

"This really is a truly special moment. At the end of the day, our kids are going to have a nice, new building they can be proud of," Baughman said.

Both Baughman and Park thanked everyone who made the new facility a reality.

"I'm so excited to see the community engagement and see our teachers coming together as one," Park said.

Park then introduced a student representative from each grade level, to much applause and fanfare, that would be assisting in the ribbon cutting.

Soon enough, with many cheers, the ribbon was cut and the community was welcomed into the new Bellefonte Elementary School.

The $55 million project was completed this summer and is a 98,000-square-foot facility that can accommodate roughly 600 students between grades K-5, with room to expand in the future.

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