Good afternoon, and thank you all for being here.

It’s was an honor to see everyone to East Ridge Elementary for today’s ribbon cutting ceremony. Although this building officially opened its doors in August, today gave us a chance to recognize and celebrate all the work, planning, and support that made this project a reality.

This building was an integral part of the 2022 General Bond Referendum—a project our Clear Creek Amana community strongly believed in and supported. We’re thankful for that continued investment in our students and their futures.

East Ridge Elementary currently serves all of 5th grade for the Clear Creek Amana School District, as well as 4th grade students from two of our other elementary schools. Today, the building is home to approximately 450 students—and growing.

We want to thank our building partners:

• City of Coralville for the generous land agreement
• Shive-Hattery for their thoughtful architectural design
• Knutson Construction for their work in bringing that design to life
• Oaks Family Partnership for shared construction of Crossing Ridge Drive
• Grand Rail Construction Development for site development
• MMS Consultants for architectural work for Crossing Ridge Drive 
• Streb Construction for being the general contractor of Crossing Ridge Drive
   

We truly appreciate the collaboration and dedication from everyone who contributed to this project—from start to finish.

Ray Strobbe Memorial: An oak tree was planted south of the elementary in memory of Ray Strobbe, a longtime principal, teacher, and coach in the Clear Creek Amana School District.

Mr. Strobbe is remembered by teachers as a mentor, a caring friend, and a patient leader. Students knew him as a kind and respected teacher and principal. We are honored to have this tree serve as a lasting tribute to his legacy.

We also extend a heartfelt thank you to the Strobbe family for their generous donation in support of our schools and students.

Thank you East Ridge 5th Grade Student Council—for helping with today’s memorial tree planting. Their leadership, service, and school spirit are exactly the kind of qualities Mr. Strobbe would be proud of.

Thank you to everyone again for joining us today, and for being part of this celebration of growth, community, and education here at CCA.