Wayne Community Schools holds groundbreaking for new project

WAYNE, Neb. -- "This is exciting to actually see some of the work begin," Superintendent Mark Lenihan said. 

Wayne Community Schools held a groundbreaking Monday to celebrate the start of construction on its new early learning center and high school addition project. 

Lenihan said that they expect work to begin within the next week or two calling the project a game-changer for students. 

"For the early learning center to be able to have the opportunity to really focus on those very important early learning years, I think will be a huge benefit, but also just giving more space for programming at our high school and also at our elementary school," Lenihan said. "I think it's going to make a big difference." 

Lenihan said they are thankful to the Wayne community for passing the $28 million bond back in March to make this possible. 

"I really think it speaks to the strength of our community and that's working together and making sure that we provide a great place for people to learn, to live, to work, to play," Lenihan said. "I think that really makes a difference." 

The project will include a 42,000-square-foot early learning center to house Pre-K through 2nd grade, with the high school undergoing renovations with new classroom additions.  

"Our enrollment is growing, the community is growing," Lenihan said.

The early learning center is expected to open to students in the fall of 2025, and renovations and additions to the high school are expected to be completed by next fall.