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Nine shovels with red hardhats stand on a ceremonial pile of dirt at the groundbreaking ceremony.
The construction site for Athens High School’s new facilities. [Andy McLean | WOUB]

A groundbreaking ceremony helps kick off construction of a new Athens High School

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ATHENS, Ohio (WOUB) — Gov. Mike DeWine was on hand Friday to help lift dirt on a new Athens High School.

The ceremony brought together state and local leaders to celebrate a $68 million project long in the works.

Check out these photos from the event:

Superintendent of Athens City Schools Chad Springer opens up the ground breaking ceremony for Athens High School on August 29th, 2025. [Andy McLean | WOUB]
Students from Athens High School listening to Governor Mike DeWine at the groundbreaking ceremony. [Andy McLean | WOUB]
Governor Mike DeWine speaking at the ground breaking ceremony for Athens High School on August 29th, 2025. [Andy McLean | WOUB]
Governor Mike DeWine posing in front of the construction site with the Ohio Facilities Construction Commission for the new buildings at Athens High School on August 29, 2025. [Andy McLean | WOUB]
Governor Mike DeWine posing in front of the construction site with the principal, April Stewart, and assistant principal, Cynthia Caruso-Hartman ,for the new buildings at Athens High School on August 29, 2025. [Andy McLean | WOUB]
Athens High School color guard performing after the ground breaking ceremony on August 29th, 2025. [Andy McLean | WOUB]
Student Marek Ausseresses shaking hands with Governor Mike DeWine after the ground breaking ceremony on August 29th, 2025. [Andy McLean | WOUB]
The construction site for the new buildings at Athens High School. [Andy McLean | WOUB]

“This groundbreaking represents a shared vision brought to life by our community’s unwavering commitment,” said Chad Springer, superintendent of Athens City School District. “This new high school will be a hub for learning, opportunity, and growth, breaking down barriers to ensure every student has access to the tools they need to succeed.”

The three-story, 153,140-square-foot facility will feature advanced safety measures, including secure entry vestibules and comprehensive surveillance systems to ensure a safe learning environment.

Voters in the Athens City School District approved a $24 million bond issue in 2023 to help support the project.

DeWine highlighted that the Ohio Facilities Construction Commission supported this project with $27.7 million through the Classroom Facilities Assistance Program.

The new school is set to open for the 2027-2028 school year.