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Chaddock Breaks Ground for New School

Jason Parrott
/
TSPR
Supporters break ground for Chaddock's new school on its Quincy campus

Chaddock CEO Debbie Reed said Sunday's groundbreaking for a new school in Quincy was an amazing moment for her organization.  She said many, many people have worked hard to make it a reality.
"We have been dreaming about this school for so many years," said Reed. "And to see the crowd of supporters here today who shared that dream with us -- it is so exciting."

Reed said the first donation for the new school came about 15 years ago.

Chaddock serves about 90 special education students from throughout the region and across the country whose home districts are not able to meet their full educational needs.

Reed said in the last year, students from more than 40 school districts in Illinois received services at Chaddock.

The design for the new school

Doing that has been difficult, though, given the fact that, as Reed describes it, "Chaddock is busting at the seams."

The current school, which was built about 60 years ago, was designed for 45 students.  Reed said two temporary classes were recently added but she said there still is not enough room.

She said that's why knowing that the new school will be able to accommodate 130 students is heartwarming to so many.

"In a few weeks, we are going to have graduation and to know in the very near future (that) we will be able to have a lot more kids find educational success here at Chaddock, (it's a) incredibly rewarding day," Reed said.

Credit Jason Parrott / TSPR
/
TSPR
More than 250 people turned out for the groundbreaking event.

Jerry Douglas, Director of Education, told the crowd of more than 250 people at the groundbreaking that this is a dream come true.

"I have had this dream," said Douglas. "This dream to have a facility and a building that would meet all of the needs of our students, their families, and our staff.  And today, we are at that point where we are going to begin this new building."

Douglas said the new school will allow Chaddock to enhance the instructional programs, to address organizational needs for the staff, and to expand the therapeutic needs for students and their families.

"Students are going to have classrooms that are going to provide more than adequate space for instruction, learning centers, places to address sensory needs and technology," said Douglas.

The opportunities provided by the school were summed up during the ceremony by Hannah A., who is the student council president.

She told the crowd about how grateful she was for the opportunities at Chaddock, especially since she will now be able to graduate on time after falling behind at her former school.

"It may not sound like fun going to an alternative, therapeutic school," said Hannah.  "But I can be one to attest that Chaddock has really helped me in making positive changes in my life."

CEO Debbie Reed said construction is expected to last about 14 months.  She said that should allow students to walk into the school on Day 1 of the 2016/2017 school year.

Jason Parrott is a former reporter at Tri States Public Radio.