EAST LIVERPOOL - For the first time since East Liverpool High School made its exit many years ago, high school students have returned downtown.
At the American Spirit Academy along West Fifth Street, the mood is upbeat.
"This is one of the most exciting opportunities I've ever been a part of," Jeff Nutter, school superintendent, said. "With Kent State having a presence downtown and easy access to Carnegie Library, our students can really take advantage. We already have several kids taking college classes."
The effort to transform East Liverpool Christian School into the American Spirit Academy was unveiled July 22. After a delay due to a demolition of one building and the transformation of another, academy students in grades 9-12 have moved from the Glenmoor building to downtown. The other students are expected to follow at the beginning of next school year.
The expanded school has a new name, a new location, and a new blend of classroom and online instruction in four distinct K-12 programs - all while keeping its Christian focus.
"On Monday, this all became the new reality for our 44 high school students," Nutter said.
The building was dedicated on Jan. 26 during a special ceremony.
Nutter offered opening remarks, and prayers were made by Ted Hill and Becky Mackey on behalf of the board and students, respectively.
Then, everyone gathered at the side of the building where Steve Ullom, school development manager, offered devotion as teacher David Chafins held a symbolic stake being driven home by Craig Newbold.
Newbold is a member of the ELCS Board of Directors and president/CEO of the American Spirit Initiative.
Prayers were also given on behalf of the staff by Nutter, and Jeff Smith offered one on behalf of the parents. An anointing service was conducted by Tim Ginter, board member.
"Since the East Liverpool Christian School has a 35-year history, the ceremony was an effort to keep some continuity," Ullom said. "We are building on that foundation."
As for the transition from the Glenmoor location to downtown, Nutter said, "It went more smoothly with the kids than I expected. They were thrilled to have the new building. The campus in Glenmoor served us well, but it was tough to heat and cool."
Ullom agreed. "We had outgrown it, really. We had trailers and out buildings, but with the building here and across the street, it's going to give us quite a lot of additional room."
The East Liverpool Design Review Board recently gave Newbold its blessing for the demolition of one of his buildings across the street from the school. That space will partially, be turned into a courtyard and recreation area.
A crossover bridge extending from the 114 West Fifth St. building to a new stair and elevator tower at 115 West Fifth St. will be constructed, hopefully this summer or fall, according to Newbold.
The crossover bridge will be made from a pre-engineered steel frame and will span approximately 15 feet above West Fifth Street, connecting the two buildings and offering the American Spirit Academy room for expansion.
Then, the 120 students still at the Glenmoor location will also attend school downtown.
Nutter said six, full-time faculty members are now at the downtown location and a few split time between downtown and Glenmoor.
Ullom showed off the new campus computer lab and classrooms.
"This is not just about a new building but a more expanded curriculum," Ullom said. "The staff and faculty have been working very hard to put this all together."
Some Lincoln Interactive online courses are now available to students through a partnership with the National Network of Digital Schools.
"We are not becoming a cyber school," Nutter said. "We are, however, using more technology and ways to enhance what we do."
"It's a marriage between the classical education model and new choices for our students," Ullom added.
Like many, high school student Lexi Hill said the change is welcome.
"We're really excited about this opportunity, and I think it's going to be a great chance for the school to progress in a lot of areas," Hill said.
