Lockland Local School District marked a historic milestone Sept. 3, celebrating the completion of its K-12 Main Campus renovation with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, community open house and the unveiling of a new street name, Panther Way.
The celebration represented much more than the completion of a construction project. It marked the culmination of a journey that began in 2019 and brought together the Lockland community, state and local partners, district leaders, architects, construction professionals and countless others to preserve an important piece of Lockland history while creating modern learning spaces for generations to come.
The journey began when Lockland voters approved a bond issue in 2019 representing the community's 13 percent share of the project cost. That commitment opened the door to a partnership with the Ohio Facilities Construction Commission, which provided the state's 87 percent share.
Planning and development continued through the disruptions of the COVID-19 pandemic. Construction began on the Main Campus in 2023, launching a three-year transformation of the district's iconic 1912, 1929 and 1949 buildings.
Throughout the project, the district remained committed to preserving the history and character of a campus that generations of Lockland students have called home while creating the modern K-12 learning environment students and staff enjoy today.
Welcome to Panther Way
The evening included another addition to Lockland history as the district and Village of Lockland unveiled Panther Way, the new street name that now welcomes students, families, staff, alumni and visitors to the school campus.
The name provides a permanent connection between the school, its Panther Pride and the greater Lockland community.
Village of Lockland Mayor Mark Mason also proclaimed September 3, 2026, as Lockland School District Day, recognizing the district's 175 years of educating generations of children from Lockland and Arlington Heights and its enduring role as a cornerstone of the community.
The district also received special recognition from the Ohio Senate commemorating the ribbon cutting and completion of the renovated K-12 Main Campus. Senator Catherine Ingram joined the celebration to present the recognition, which commended the district for preserving its historically significant campus while expanding opportunities for students.
A Community Effort
A project of this magnitude was possible only through partnership.
Lockland Schools extends its appreciation to the Ohio Facilities Construction Commission, architect SHP and construction manager Pepper Construction for their expertise and commitment throughout the project.
The district also recognizes members of the Lockland Board of Education who helped guide the project to completion: Krista Blum, Colleen Carter, Lauren Costanzo, Terry Gibson and Nina Simpson, along with district administrators, staff members and the many individuals who contributed their time, expertise and leadership throughout the journey.
Most importantly, Lockland Schools thanks the Lockland community.
For generations, families have believed in their schools. The community's investment in this project made it possible to preserve buildings that have been part of Lockland's story for more than a century while preparing them for the students who will write the stories still to come.
Founded in 1851, Lockland Local School District is one of Ohio's oldest school districts. As Lockland Schools celebrates its 175th year, the completion of the Main Campus renovation provides a fitting connection between that remarkable history and the district's future.
From 1851 to 2026, we are proud of where we've been, excited about where we're going and grateful to everyone who helped us reach this moment.
Welcome to Panther Way. Here we grow again! To see moments from the evening, click HERE to access our Facebook page.