Parents, Students Say So Long to Historic School

Roosevelt Elementary is one of two nearly one-hundred year old schools being demolished Thursday. Parents and school kids looked on as crews began tearing the school down to make room for a newer, safer school.

Some of the parents spoke out at district meetings over the past several months, asking school officials not to close the school altogether.

Many watched with mixed emotions Thursday saying they're excited for the new school but sad to see the old one go.

"You know, it's more emotional than i thought it would be. It's really sad to see, even though I know on the horizon there are plans for rebuilding. The sound of tearing down the memories that are already there is sad," says April Rudy, parent of a Roosevelt student.

The demolition and construction of the new school is part of the district's $189 million bond project.

The other school coming down is Jackson elementary. The district will salvage bricks from both schools to be sold as souvenirs.

Both schools are expected to take two or three days to tear down. The new schools should be ready for students in January 2010.