Cape Central Academy finds their new home in the newly remodeled Red Star Church

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (KBSI) -The Cape Central Tigers School District celebrates the grand opening of its newly renovated Cape Central Academy facility.

The school district worked tirelessly to cut back on costs, and renovated the former Red Star Church building in downtown Cape Girardeau. This facility brings an updated learning environment to the students while preserving a beloved community building for years to come.

Cape Girardeau School Board President Jared Ritter reflects on the facility’s construction, discussing his love for the new building with his own experiences as a former Central Academy teacher.

“This is over 35,000 square feet. When I was a teacher at Central Academy, my classroom didn’t even have windows. We used to take laps around the school just to stretch our legs,” says Ritter.

Assistant Superintendent of Support Services Josh Crowell shares his thoughts, discussing his emotions for the completion of the remodel.

“Happiness, pride, relief, all of those things rolled into one,” Crowell says. “We’ve provided a wonderful facility for our staff and students while restoring a building to its greater glory that has been integral part to this community for decades.”

The new facility offers students more space to learn, grow, and enjoy.

“It allows them to have a home where they can spread out and not feel stacked on top of each other,” Ritter says. “There’s 35,000 square feet they can use however they want to.”

Both Ritter and Crowell expressed their thankfulness to everyone who contributed to the renovation, calling it a success for the school district and the community. One that will help many students for years to come.