Bettendorf, Pleasant Valley and North Scott offcials gathered Wednesday to unveil Edison Academy's new location after nearly six months of construction. Edison — the districts' alternative high school consortium — is now located at 3066 Victoria St. in Bettendorf, just across the street from Bettendorf High School's south parking lot.
Formerly housing office space, the new Edison facility mirrors a smaller modern school, featuring a secure entryway, flexible-use space and a four-classroom addition. "We're very pleased to see something that looks classy," principal Jeff Blackwell said. "Our kids and our staff , for years, have been used to something that isn't.
They made it work, because they're just that good, but this will be pretty amazing for them." Total project costs landed at roughly $4.3 million, paid for by Bettendorf schools using SAVE (Secure an Advanced Vision for Education) dollars.
"Today, we celebrate not just a building, but the endless, endless possibilities it represents," said Bettendorf Superintendent Michelle Morse before Wednesday's ribbon-cutting. "This beautiful facility is a testament to the collective vision, hard work and dedication of so many, from our former school board directors to (current) directors; community partners and elected officials to our passionate educators and staff ," she said, thanking all who were involved. "We look forward to seeing our students excel within these walls and carry their knowledge forward into a bright future.
" Bettendorf Alderman Greg Adamson and district outreach coordinator Mica Frandsen, a graduate of former Edison program Project READY, also spoke Wednesday. Multiple local lawmakers, including Iowa Reps. Mike Vondran and Gary Mohr, were in attendance.
As previously reported, the former Edison building at 438 16th St. in Bettendorf saw its most recent upgrades in the early 2000s. The new, more centralized location — and close proximity to Bettendorf High School — aims to give students more learning opportunities, particularly via career and technical education (CTE) pathways.
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