Years of planning and waiting were realized at the groundbreaking of the Reimagine Miller renovation and construction project on Monday.

More than 50 people were in attendance to watch the ceremony at the historic Miller Middle School, and some accepted the opportunity to tour through the hallways before work begins.

Kicking the event off, Superintendent Theron Schutte said everyone was gathered not just to move dirt, but to also keep a promise.

“When we launched the Reimagine Miller initiative two years ago, we did so with a shared vision that our students deserve a better learning environment,” Schutte said. “. . . Today we’re going to officially break the ground of this project, and we’re laying the foundation for the next century of education in our community.”

The project is a commitment to safety and modernization ensuring the facility will meet the needs of 21st century students. It will provide flexible spaces, fostering creativity, collaboration and critical thinking.

“Most importantly, it’s about community pride, honoring the deep history of this school while transforming it into a beacon of progress for all of Marshalltown,” he said. “To our taxpayers and citizens, we thank you for the support . . . that made this vision possible. To our faculty, staff and students – this is for you. You have navigated the challenges of an aging building with grace, and today we begin building the home you truly deserve.”

Schutte introduced School Board President Sean Heitmann, who was surprised at the gathered crowd. He said a school is more than a building, but a place where curiosity is sparked, friendships are formed and young minds discover who they can become.

“Today is not just about what we are building, it’s about where we are going,” Heitmann said. “This project reflects our vision for the future, expanding opportunities for students, continuing to integrate modern technology into learning, preparing students not just for success in high school, but life beyond high school.”

The start of the project is the result of hard work, vision and collaboration, he added, which reflects the dedication of educators, families and community members who believe in the power of education.

Also speaking was Miller Co-Principal Dave Glenn. He told the crowd it has been rewarding to watch the entire process since the beginning. That process and the conversations made it clear to him that Miller Middle School means a lot to so many people in Marshalltown. Glenn said the staff have been working with Boyd Jones Construction on a weekly basis.

“They are a great group, and I know the whole entire project is going to go smooth, on time and under budget,” he said, drawing laughter from the crowd. “We look forward to hearing all of the steps along the way. So, stay tuned. It’s going to be an exciting trip.”

With Miller Middle School being an important piece of Marshalltown and the project being very significant, Mayor Mike Ladehoff was also present, and he congratulated the district and everyone involved for putting the $106 million project together. He said it is about community standards — what is acceptable and what is not.

“When something in Marshalltown becomes unacceptable, we’re going to fix that,” Ladehoff said. “We also know an investment like this in an older neighborhood has ripple effects, much like dropping a pebble into a pond. It echoes out.”

He added that Marshalltown is on a roll, something which many people are aware of. Reimagine Miller is part of that roll, and that momentum will not stop.

Marshalltown Area Chamber of Commerce President/CEO John Hall agreed with Ladehoff, telling the crowd that the community is winning on so many fronts.

“One of the fronts we spend a great deal of time on is workforce — workforce attraction, workforce development, workforce recruitment,” he said. “To speak about what it means to build a new workforce, it’s not only the education systems that raise up individuals who take jobs and careers in our community, but it’s also the recruitment and attraction of people who want to be part of our community. So often, the school district and school system plays an important role in what that attraction looks like. . . . From my end, we are so excited to finally see Miller become the beacon of what education means here in Marshalltown.”

Boyd Jones Senior Project Manager Michael Martin said the project will give Miller the needed enhancements and sustain the history the community wanted to see preserved.

“From a construction standpoint, we are getting started on an endeavor that is roughly 40 months that will take everybody’s communication, dedication and leadership to succeed,” he said.

“It’s a great day to be a Bobcat,” Schutte concluded.

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Contact Lana Bradstream at 641-753-6611 ext. 210 or

lbradstream@timesrepublican.com.