On Monday, the Gering Public School District marked a significant milestone with the grand opening of the Gering Preschool at Northfield Elementary. Students, faculty, staff, and community members gathered to celebrate the completion of the new 5,000-square-foot building, which cost $900,000 to construct.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony followed a groundbreaking event held nearly one year ago. The new facility is a major step forward in early childhood education for the district.
B.J. Peters, President of the Gering School Board, highlighted the importance of the new building. “Early childhood education isn’t just beneficial for children; it’s an investment in their future and in the future of our community,” said Peters. “This new facility reflects our commitment to supporting that vision for years to come.”
The development of the preschool was made possible through collaboration and hard work. Stacy Rodriguez, the district’s Director of Business and Finance, secured part of the funding in partnership with the Nebraska Department of Education. Additionally, students from the Gering High School Construction Trades program provided much of the labor for the project.
Hayden Bennett, a 2024 Gering graduate and former Construction Trades student, spoke about his pride in contributing to the project. “From the beginning, we knew this was special. We weren’t just building a structure; we were creating a space for young children and community members to learn and grow,” said Bennett. “It’s one thing to learn in a classroom, but it’s an entirely different experience to be part of building something that will impact the community for years.”
Rachel Sissel from the Nebraska Children and Families Foundation also attended the ceremony and praised the collaborative efforts that made the project possible. “This project is a shining example of community innovation and teamwork,” Sissel said, noting that the Gering Preschool is now being recognized statewide for its forward-thinking approach to early childhood education.
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