Board approves renaming Highview center to Central Academy; preschool to relocate at start of school year

The Middletown School Board approved renaming the Highview Sixth Grade Center as Central Academy and discussed the district’s plan to move preschool classrooms into the former Central building when the new school year begins in August.

Mrs. Houser, staff member, described the naming process as following board policy and a committee led by staff at Central Academy. “They met. They went with Central Academy. So, really, they've just dropped off the non graded of Central Academy because in the past, it was central, non graded academy. It's not non graded anymore,” she said. Staff reported signage and other preparations are underway at the Highview site.

Board members visited the site and staff told the board that classroom floors had been waxed, boxes were in place and teachers were beginning to unpack. When asked about timing, staff confirmed that preschool students will move into the building at the start of the school year in August, not on the calendar year.

Board action: the board moved and approved the name change and associated item on the consent agenda; a roll call showed members voting yes, including Mrs. Stewart, Mrs. Shaffer, Mrs. Ramsey Hunter and Mr. Moore.

Background: some preschool classrooms will remain at Rosa Parks and Verity Lodge in the current year while the district completes preparations; overflow preschool will be placed at Rosa Parks, staff said.

Ending: staff said preparations are progressing and the district expects to be fully ready for the start of the school year.