BISD dedicates new middle school, hosts open house

Thursday, 20 October 2011 by Thomas Tavaziva

Belton ISD Board of Trustees President Randy Pittenger (right) speaks during the dedication of South Belton Middle School.South Belton Middle School opened its doors to the Belton community to witness and participate in the school's official dedication and open house.

The open house, which was hosted in the newly constructed building, took place on Oct. 9.

The dedication was well attended, with approximately 200 people participating in the ceremony.

Key dignitaries came to witness the official dedication including City of Temple Mayor Bill Jones, City of Belton Mayor Pro-Tem Marion Grayson, Belton city council member Craig Pearson and Senior Vice President of Administration and Chief Operating Officer at University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, Dr. Steve Theodore.

Board of Trustees President Randy Pittenger described the participation of the community in the official dedication as appropriate, as the support of parents led to approval of bonds and the school's partnership with the City of Belton was also instrumental in the development of the new school.

The school's principal, Tammy Becker, gave the official welcome and emphasized the school's gratitude for the "amazing parental and community support" that they had received for several months prior to the opening of the school.

Construction on the middle school began in April in 2010 and the school opened its doors to 700 students at the beginning of the 2011-12 school year.

Belton Independent School District Superintendent Dr. Susan Kincannon said that the school was built to meet the needs of the community. The district continues to grow and the addition of a new school has helped provide an alternative option for parents and students.

"We're proud of the vision for this school for children's learning," Kincannon said. "Our students are learning a new approach of learning with Apple and this instructional approach is still in its infancy stage."

Grayson, who also gave remarks at the dedication, commended the school district for its outstanding efforts to provide Belton with a new school.

"Our schools are what make Belton a wonderful place," Grayson said.

Col. Charles Kibben, Fort Hood 13th Battalion and City of Belton Director of Public Works Les Hallbauer wished the school success as they moved into a new building and they commended the school for their willingness to move into the future with a different instructional approach.

For entertainment, the sixth grade girls' choir sang "Song of the River" and "Simple Gifts," and refreshments were provided at the end of the official dedication.

The ceremony concluded with tours around the campus.

"I was very happy with the response by the community," Pittenger said. "This has been a great collaborative project for the community from the beginning of the project. This school is about collaboration, so having the community come out to help us celebrate is really encouraging because that just reflects what this school is about."

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