Westlake City Schools Break Ground for Construction on Three Buildings

After a tough levy campaign and extensive planning, the Westlake City Schools broke ground for major construction on three school buildings Monday evening.

“This is the result of the same kind of tremendous dedication to our service that we see throughout the district,” said Superintendent Dan Keenan, recognizing all of those who worked on the levy committee and the plans for construction. “Thank you for doing your part to continue the tradition of excellence in Westlake City Schools.” 

The groundbreaking marks the beginning of an extensive renovation and rebuilding at Westlake High School, to be completed by fall of 2013. This was also the start of the renovation and expansion of Lee Burneson Middle School to turn it into a fifth and sixth intermediate school.  The district is also constructing a new middle school for grades 7 and 8 near the existing middle school, which should be completed by next winter.

The Westlake Demon Marching Band kicked the ceremony off, followed by comments from levy chair Cathy Axcell, school board president Tom Mays and Superintendent Dan Keenan.

“I’m so glad that children will be able to learn in a safe environment,” Axcell said, recognizing the hours of work that went into the levy campaign. “Be proud! You were a dream team to work with.”

Voters passed the 3.4 mill levy in May of last year.

“This bond project was passed with flying colors in a difficult time in the economy,” added Tom Mays, school board president. “But the school will now be a safe building that encourages 21st-century learning.”

The class of 2014 will be the first to graduate from the new high school, which will be completed by fall of 2013.

“We want to thank the community of Westlake for supporting this and we can’t wait to graduate from this new school,” said Westlake High School sophomore Allyson Pesta.