HAMPSHIRE — Since January 2021, officials from Community Unit School District 300 (D300) have been working hard to finalize plans for the construction of a brand-new elementary school.

At the Feb. 22 D300 Board of Education meeting, it was announced that the new school would be named Big Timber Elementary School. Its mascot, the Badger, was announced a few months later in May.

The official groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of Big Timber took place back in April, with officials stating that “the new elementary school is a proactive measure to address capacity issues resulting from population growth in the western portion of the district.”

Big Timber, which is located at 1400 S. Ridgecrest Drive in Hampshire, currently houses students in kindergarten through fifth grade, primarily from the villages of Hampshire and Pingree Grove.

The building measures 86,260 square feet across two stories and includes 40 classrooms, a gym, a library, and a media center.

According to district officials, the school cost $30.8 million to build, however, the construction did not create an increased community tax burden due to the existing fund balance and the issuance of debt certificates that were paid for out of the district’s existing operating funds.

Various D300 officials were able to tour the completed elementary school building in July before the school welcomed students back from summer vacation on Tuesday, Aug. 16.

Students also got to meet their school principal Brittany Porsche, who was approved by the D300 Board of Education in October 2021.

“I am extremely honored to serve as the principal of Big Timber. We have the opportunity to create a school culture from the ground up! At Big Timber Elementary School, we will work as a team to provide a safe and positive learning experience for all students,” stated Porsche in a message to parents of students.

She continued, “As a staff, we will strive to create an environment where everyone is welcomed and included, and our students have the foundation needed to be college and career ready. It is essential that we prepare our students to positively influence our community and world as members of a global society.”

Additionally, Big Timber students were welcomed to their new school building by members of the Hampshire Fire Protection District.

“I am proud to be a part of the Big Timber Elementary School journey and share this upcoming school year with you and your child. Thank you for allowing us to nurture, encourage, and challenge your child as we begin the 2022-2023 school year,” added Porsche in her message.