Thursday’s groundbreaking celebration drew quite a crowd. Over 200 Roosevelt students, parents, teachers and community members were in attendance. The festivities included performances by Roosevelt’s band, as well as their chorus, who sang “Bridgeport Reach” – A song written by Central High School’s choir about Bridgeport students.

Mayor Finch, Superintendent Paul Vallas, and Board of Education Chair Reverend Kenneth Moales all spoke at Thursday’s celebration; thanking parents, teachers, contractors and the state for making the building project possible.

“Every Bridgeport student deserves a top-flight modern school building equipped with resources that will help them succeed–and we’re making sure more get them,” said Superintendent Paul Vallas. “Today’s groundbreaking is a promise to the families in the South End that students will receive a true 21st-century education.”

The 82,000 square foot building is scheduled to be finished by 2015 and will include a new cafeteria, gymnasium, playground and soccer field. The building is expected to cost $32 million; however, the state is footing 80% of that bill.

To comment on this and other stories, please check out the Education Bridgeport! Facebook page