It was a dream come true for founding teacher Leila Lubin. As she was hired at The Greater Dayton School in February of 2021, she remembered promises of a state-of-the-art facility to match the school’s game-changing educational model. Nearly three years later, on Wednesday, Leila, the entire GDS staff, and students were welcomed into their new home at Deed’s Point.
“I feel so giddy inside,” Leila said with a big smile across her face.
Kids & Community Partners, a non-profit arm of The Connor Group, provides funding for the Greater Dayton School. It opened its doors temporarily in August 2022 while construction at the permanent campus was completed.
“This is the nicest educational facility in the state. It’s phenomenal. I’m waiting for someone to wake me up from my dream.”
Many staff members, including partner and founding principal A.J. Stich, put extra effort into this week’s opening.
“I had people tell me this is going to be the nicest school in the state of Ohio. Now that I’m here, it’s true,” A.J. said. “This is the nicest educational facility in the state. It’s phenomenal. I’m just waiting for someone to wake me up from my dream.
“This is a shining example of what kids from under-resourced communities deserve. And you know, I can’t thank the Connor Group associates, the partners, Larry and Bob—I cannot thank them enough for dedicating their resources to giving kids what they deserve.”
Loop visited the school as students hit the playground for the first time, then sat down together for a family-style lunch in the cafeteria. The kids help pass out the food, clean up and sit with teachers to enjoy a chef-prepared meal. The students were in awe after soaking up their new home for the first day.
“It’s really big! I can’t say I have a favorite part because all of it is really good,” fourth-grader Jeiona said. “I had so much fun being at the new school. It’s kind of like the first day of school.”
The school’s construction won’t be fully completed until February 2024. Sarah Sealock, the founding director of operations, said even the construction crews on site were excited to see students arrive this week.
“The folks on the job were really excited and eager to see what the kids would think of the work they had done,” Sarah said. “They were proud of what they had built. Sure, there are hurdles, but everyone is very willing. The construction crew has been so incredibly helpful and supportive.”
The Greater Dayton School currently serves 105 students in pre-K through fourth grade. Over the next four years, the school will add one grade per year. Want to learn more about Kids & Community Partners? Contact partner Ryan Ernst or click the link below.