Students, staff, families and community members gathered at Lannon Elementary School on September 24 for a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the completion of major construction. Construction, which included a significant addition to the building, was made possible through community support of a facilities referendum voters approved in April 2024.
Superintendent Paul Mielke, Ph.D. expressed deep appreciation for the community’s role in making the project a reality. “This addition is more than just bricks and mortar. It represents a strong partnership between our schools and our community, and a shared belief in the importance of investing in our children’s futures,” said Dr. Mielke.
The new addition includes nine new classrooms and a flexible learning MakerSpace designed to accommodate Lannon’s growing student enrollment. The school’s front office was remodeled to accommodate a new, safer front entrance. The playground was also relocated and received new equipment.
The ribbon cutting ceremony featured remarks from Superintendent Dr. Mielke and Lannon Elementary School Principal Brian Balfany. Fourteen Lannon Elementary School students took part in the ceremony, each holding a pair of scissors to cut a piece of the red ribbon. Afterwards, all children in attendance were invited to take part in a scavenger hunt to identify things such as window shapes and carpet colors in the building’s new addition.
Principal Balfany thanked all school staff members for their dedication and patience. He also commented on how the new addition blends nicely with the original Lannon Elementary School, a building that dates back to the 1930s. The spaces were designed by Plunkett Raysich Architects. JP Cullen served as the general contractor for the project.
“The incredible growth in our community means more students are attending our wonderful elementary school,” shared Balfany. “This affords us with additional opportunities to continue showing our Cardinal Pride and remembering to be respectful, be responsible and be your best.”