See Video: New Elmhurst School Dedicated

ELMHURST, IL – A crowd gathered in front of the new Lincoln Elementary School early Tuesday evening to watch a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

The public wasn't allowed in the building. But students are set to go inside Wednesday for their first day of class.

On hand at the ceremony was a DJ and the Lincoln Lion mascot. The mayor, aldermen and school board members also attended.

Many in the audience were the students themselves.

The $31.5 million project took about a year to finish.

It was made possible by a $168 million referendum passed by voters in 2018. The replacements of Lincoln and Field elementary schools are the largest referendum projects.

"We broke ground in 2021 and are proud to have completed the building on time and under budget," board President Kara Caforio said at the ceremony.

Caforio went through the standard thank-yous. But she asked for students' attention for one particular note of gratitude.

"You are walking into a school that thousands and thousands of people in this town contributed to and will never have students or grandchildren or themselves come into this building," Caforio said. "They did it because they care so much about you and your education. So, to our community, thank you for coming along with us and supporting this endeavor."

Superintendent Keisha Campbell said, "The features of this building are nothing short of extraordinary and provide a modern learning space for all our students and staff."

Kalissa Smith was hired as the school's principal last year, but she was essentially a principal without a school. Now, she is taking charge of a brand-new building.

"The journey to this moment has been an incredible one," she said.

An open house for the public is set for 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Oct. 8. The old Lincoln was built in 1915.

The Field Elementary project started over the summer and is expected to be ready for the next school year.