Cashion’s new high school took a step toward reality last week.

And that reality is going to be bigger than originally planned.

A groundbreaking ceremony was held early Wednesday evening on the site the new school will be built.

“Today marks an exciting milestone for Cashion Public Schools,” said Superintendent Shane Hood to those gathered for the event. “This project is the result of a shared vision, hard work and strong community support.”

Joining Hood in the ceremonious breaking of the ground was CHS Principal Ryan Schenk and school board members Kelly Davis, Jessica Ballard, Chris Carroll, Jake McKeever and Chris Gibson.

One of the fastest growing districts in the state, Cashion has surged past the capacity for its current facilities.

In February, voters narrowly approved a $39.93 million bond issue to alleviate some of those space issues.

It was passed 587-385. Needing a 60 percent super majority to be approved, the bond issue received a shade over 61 percent.

The original plan for the largest portion of that bond issue was a 30,000 square foot expansion of the high school.

However, when bids were recently opened, good news awaited.

Hood shared that at the ceremony.

“Through careful plan-ning and significant savings from the bid process, we’re able to expand this project even further,” he said.

Due to the reduction in construction costs, the district was able to add an additional seven new classrooms to the plans.

That increased the number of new classrooms to 17.

“This means more opportunities, more space for learning and an even greater impact on our growing student body,” Hood said.

Six of the rooms will double as safe rooms and three will be specialty classrooms (art room, media room, special education room).

That’s according to Renaissance Architecture, which designed the facility.

Renaissance also said the facility will include a secure entry and office, a new kitchen, a commons area and a new parking lot.

The new high school is now expanded to be approximately 36,600 square feet.

Joe D. Hall General Contractors will serve as the construction manager for the project, which is projected to be completed in August 2027.

The high school expansion is being built north of the current high school and where the former football field sat.

Part of the bond issue was to relocate the football field east across Euclid Avenue.

Cashion began playing on that new field earlier this fall.

Other parts of the bond issue included:

• Upgrading the softball field with new turf;

• Repurposing the existing football fieldhouse to accommodate wrestling; • Repurposing the green room for both cheer and elementary PE;

• Repurposing the current wrestling room into a new FFA classroom.

“To our Cashion community and voters, thank you for believing in our mission and investing in the future of our schools. Your trust makes days like this possible,” Hood said. “Together, we’re building more than just facilities, we’re building a stronger future for our students and community.

“Thank you all for being part of this journey.”