Silver Creek students return to school as $48 million renovation project continues

SELLERSBURG, Ind. (WDRB) -- Students at Silver Creek schools in Sellersburg returned to class Thursday, navigating around construction crews as a $48 million renovation project continues.

The school board unanimously approved the project in 2023.

School officials said no major problems were encountered, although some hiccups are always to be expected on the first day back. The day got off to a foggy start, but buses got students from their stops to school with no issues.

Buses arrive at Silver Creek Schools on 1st day of 2024-2025 school year — Pictured: buses arrive at Silver Creek Schools in Sellersburg, Ind., as classes resumed on July 25, 2024. (WDRB media)

Transportation leaders remind drivers to be careful and cautious and not to pass any buses on routes as the school year resumes. Officials said they are confident with their drivers, as all of them veteran drivers familiar with the routes and students.

In some classrooms, service dogs like Liza Jane got back to work. Silver Creek Elementary School Principal Sandy Myers Liza in on the first day of classes, saying Liza is as excited as the students to get back in the classroom.

Liza Jane at Silver Creek Schools — Pictured: Liza Jane, a service dog at Silver Creek Elementary, gets ready for the first day of classes at the campus in Sellersburg, Ind., as classes resumed on July 25, 2024. (WDRB image)

"Liza has learned all the skills needed to be in our building," Myers said. And the kids, whenever they're upset or if they just need a break, they get to come down and visit with her."

Construction equipment will be a common sight for students during the next few weeks as crews finish up work on a new performing arts center, new classroom space, office space and a cafeteria.

"It's progress," said Silver Creek Schools Assistant Superintendent Todd Balmer. "We have a lot of people excited for the transition in October, barring that some very important electrical equipment shows up. But we have a lot of progress here at Silver Creek. We're very excited for it."

Construction is ahead of schedule, and officials look forward to October when students and families will be able to take a look inside. After that, crews will be renovating other older buildings on the campus.

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