5 things to know about Fairfield’s 3 new schools

The new Central Elementary replaces the oldest school in the Fairfield district. The former Central Elementary opened in 1929 and was demolished this summer and converted into a parking lot for the new school. GREG LYNCH/STAFF

The new Central Elementary replaces the oldest school in the Fairfield district. The former Central Elementary opened in 1929 and was demolished this summer and converted into a parking lot for the new school. GREG LYNCH/STAFF

Tuesday marks a historic first for Fairfield City Schools.

The city school system is opening three new schools: Central Elementary, Compass Elementary and Fairfield Freshman School as classes begin for the 2017-2018 school year.

Here are 5 things to know about Fairfield’s new schools:

1. Fairfield part of rare event in Southwest Ohio

The three schools opening simultaneously on Tuesday morning is a rarity among Southwest Ohio school systems.

The only other Butler County school system to duplicate such a feat was neighboring Hamilton City Schools.

2. New learning spaces

Of the district’s 10,000 students, about 20 percent will begin learning in the new schools Tuesday.

3. Tax hike paid for buildings

Fairfield and Fairfield Twp. residents approved a tax hike in 2014 to pay for most of the $80 million price tag for the schools, with the state school facilities fund paying a portion.

4. Cost-cutting options

To save on costs, the new Central and Compass elementary schools are nearly identical.

5. Where is Butler County’s oldest school now?

The original Central Elementary was the second oldest school in Butler County, having opened its doors in 1929.

The oldest school building still in use in Butler County is Middletown’s Vail Middle School, which will close at the end of the 2017-2018 school year as Middletown opens a new middle school.

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