FORT RILEY - Geary County Schools USD 475 hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony for its brand-new state-of-the-art Morris Hill Elementary School on Friday.
“Today was a monumental moment as we are opening up this beautiful new building,” said Melisa Burgess, Morris Hill Elementary principal. “It’s wonderful to see this come to light and I’m so excited for our students and staff to be able to have the open collaborative space they need to be able to learn and grow.”
During the ceremony attendees heard remarks from Dr. Reginald Eggleston, USD 475 Superintendent, Colonel Terry R. Tillis, Deputy Commanding Officer – Maneuver of the First Infantry Division, David Jones, OLDCC Project Manager, Kristy Haden, USD 475 Board of Education President, and Morris Hill Elementary principal Melisa Burgess. A special thanks to the Junction City High School JROTC and Morris Hill Elementary choir for the posting of colors and singing of songs, respectively, as well.
Following the ceremony, guests and media members were able to take a tour of the facility.
Morris Hill officially opened this school year and is located at 4722 Normandy Drive on Fort Riley. The new state-of-the-art building, which combines the former Jefferson Elementary and Morris Hill Elementary schools, will eventually accommodate 590 students and be 99,000 square feet.
Students are now able to enjoy collaboration areas in each grade level, as well as a separate gymnasium, cafeteria, library/media center, and specific art/science classrooms.