August 18, 2023 3:40 a.m.

The South Umpqua School District will have a Grand Opening celebration for a new building that has been added to the campus of Coffenberry Middle School, on Friday.

The event will run from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the school, which is located on Northeast Rice Street in Myrtle Creek. The structure includes a kitchen, cafeteria and band room.

Superintendent Dr. Paul Hillyer said construction was fully funded through federal grants and cost approximately $4 million. Hillyer said the grants for construction were approved in 2021.

A SUSD release the expansion addressed safety. Previously, the middle school students walked across the street to share facilities with Myrtle Creek Elementary School. The new structure represents the first phase of the project.  The future goal includes adding classroom. Hillyer said the passing of a bond would allow for this expansion.