DELAND, Fla. – A new chapter is beginning for Edith I. Starke Elementary School in DeLand, as Volusia County Schools held a ribbon-cutting ceremony Friday morning for its rebuilt campus.

The project, funded in part by the half-cent sales tax, brings a modern media center, new administrative offices, art and music classrooms, and redesigned pick-up and drop-off areas to the Spring Hill community.

Local residents say the investment is a long-awaited step forward.

“I think it’s great for the kids, it’s a great community,” said Tasha Gree, who lives nearby.

“It’s definitely more advanced than what y’all had,” said Perry Johnson, smiling as he reflected on his own school days. “The world is always changing, there’s always new inventions… stay in school, stay in school.”

The new building can serve up to 650 students and is home to the district’s first STEM plus Arts magnet program. Teachers will move in on Monday, and students will begin classes inside the new building on Tuesday.

The opening also highlights a high point for the district, which just celebrated its first “A” rating from the state in 16 years. Still, it comes as Volusia faces a projected $25 million budget deficit next year. To close the gap, leaders say they are relying on reserves, restructuring positions and re-evaluating programs.

Starke Elementary was first built in 1956 and has long been a cornerstone of the Spring Hill community. Friday’s ribbon-cutting ushered in what district leaders are calling a new era for the historic school.