West View Elementary School celebrates grand reopening, 100-year anniversary

North Hills School District celebrated a momentous occasion Wednesday evening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony marking the grand reopening of West View Elementary School. The event not only unveiled the school’s stunning renovation but also honored the 100th anniversary of the historic building, originally opened as West View Junior High School in September 1925.

“This year, the building turns 100 years old,” said Principal Jesse Simpson, addressing a crowd of community members, staff, alumni, and students. “That’s 100 years of educating the children of West View and the North Hills community. That is the legacy of this building — a place to learn and grow.”

The newly renovated facility is the result of a $40 million, three-year renovation project, designed to preserve the school’s historic character while equipping it for the future. Tours offered after the ceremony showcased the modern upgrades alongside carefully curated tributes to the school's and region’s rich history.

“Our vision was to create a school that would educate students not just for this year,” Simpson continued, “but hopefully for the next 100 years to come.”

Throughout the building, visitors discovered visual reminders of the past — from photos of students walking the halls in the 1940s and 1950s to displays highlighting local artists and musicians who have made a lasting impact, both locally and beyond.

“These are not meant to merely remind us of days gone by,” said Simpson, “but to show the next generation what and who came before them — the foundation that laid the building blocks of this community and our school.”

Simpson shared that one of the goals of the renovation was to use the building itself as a teaching tool — a source of inspiration to help students understand they are part of something greater.

“We want all of our children to take pride in where they came from, so that they feel secure enough to take chances and create their own legacy,” he said. “So that someday, we are telling their story to the next generation.”

School Board President Allison Mathis and Superintendent Dr. Patrick Mannarino held the ceremonial ribbon as lead custodian Chad Mueller was invited to do the honors of cutting it — a surprise recognition for his dedication and hard work.

“No one takes more pride in their work than Chad Mueller,” said Simpson. “He is a big reason why the building looks so beautiful today.”

Mueller, clearly moved by the gesture, began working for the district in 2012 and has served as West View’s lead custodian since 2020. His commitment to the building and its students has made him an integral part of the school’s daily life and the success of the renovation project.

Wednesday's celebration also included a private dinner honoring those who played a role in the renovation and rededication efforts.

As West View Elementary prepares to welcome students for the 2025-26 school year, the newly revitalized school stands not just as a modern educational facility, but as a symbol of pride, tradition, and excellence in the North Hills community.

 

 

 

 

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