In November 2011, Northmont City Schools passed a levy to generate funds for the construction of two new buildings. Costs for the new Kleptz Early Learning Center (by the YMCA) and a new high school was around $74 million, with the Ohio School Facilities Commission putting up 47 percent, or $35 million. August 2014 brought the opening of the Kleptz Early Learning Center, while the new high school has been taking shape just steps from the current building.

As the opening of the new school draws closer, the buzz of excitement of being in a new building has become contagious. The transition to the new school is scheduled for January 11, 2016, as students return from winter break.

Students and staff have been teased for months with construction happening outside their windows. Everyday routines have been interrupted by everything from parking by the stadium to having math classes in modules.

However, as the opening draws near, staff have received guided afterschool tours, complete with vests and hard hats.

“First thing we saw when we walked in was the little grab-and-go cafeteria. I think it’s called the T-bolt café,” said substitute teacher and coach Mark Mays, who is also a Northmont graduate. “It was awesome.”

The new school will feature many things never seen before, like a jogging and walking track, a school store, and even an ATM.

“When I walked in my initial reaction was just awe. It was just incredible. It was really really huge is the only way you can describe it,” said first-year teacher and coach Clay Mangen who is also an alumni. “All the facilities are coming together nicely.”

Although the school does not open until January, the first look will be December 4 as the first home basketball game for both the girls’ team and the boys’ team will take place in the new gym, aptly titled “The Thunderdome.”

“When I saw the gym I immediately got tears in my eyes,” said Language arts and German teacher Ms. Chesley Booth, who graduated from Northmont. “It was really exciting.”

Northmont is currently surrounded by communities that have newly-constructed or remodeled facilities.

“I was a little overwhelmed in a positive way, having been on Northmont staff for 17 years. The way that the facilities looks, it really seems like there will be no limitations. I think that it’s going to be easier for the teachers, so we can provide services for each student no matter the abilities,” said science teacher Ms. Jody Henry.

Henry said the new building, with its openness, mimics a college campus.

“Since students are coming to high school and, for some, the next step will be college, it’s going to help them be a little bit more comfortable walking on college campuses,” said Henry. “It’s a really well-designed campus.”

The wait is almost over.