By Anthony Gorges
JC Post / Little Apple Post
Geary County Schools – USD 475 hosted a ribbon-cutting on Friday morning to open their brand-new, state-of-the-art Early Childhood Center. The Early Childhood Center (ECC) is located at 900 N. Eisenhower in Junction City.
The project, constructed by Schaefer Architecture and Hutton Construction, finished approximately $5 million under its original budget according to Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Reginald Eggleston. The initial cost estimate was $35 million. Representatives from both organizations were in attendance. Also in attendance were several elected local, state, and national representatives celebrating the ribbon-cutting.
“This facility will have 32 classrooms,” Superintendent of Schools Dr. Reginald Eggleston stated. “At the start of the 2026-27 school year, we will move 21 classrooms into this facility. We are excited about all of the great things that will take place in this building.”
Dr. Eggleston continued addressing the community and school district as a whole. “A new school is symbolic of a school district’s commitment to education. Schools are not just brick-and-mortar buildings; they are safe havens for students, staff, and families,” Dr. Eggleston said. “Research states that children who receive a quality early education are more likely to succeed academically, pursue higher education, and achieve better employment opportunities.”
Kansas U.S. Senator Dr. Roger Marshall was in attendance and spoke at the ribbon-cutting ceremony. “Welcome to the home of the Little Jays,” Senator Marshall said. “I have never seen anything like this before. It feels like you are walking through a children’s book.”
Senator Marshall recognized that the new Early Childhood Center was built with some federal funding. “I am so proud that this was built with federal impact dollars.” He also noted that many of the students in USD 475, including those attending the new Early Childhood Center, have a connection to Fort Riley. “This is a great investment in our future, and I am proud to be part of this as well. Congratulations, Junction City and USD 475. We are so proud to be here today,” Senator Dr. Roger Marshall said.
Other speakers at the ribbon-cutting ceremony included Dr. Beth Hudson, president of the USD 475 Board of Education; Bryan Scruggs, principal of the new ECC; and Stephanie Waterman, director of Early Learning in USD 475 – Geary County Schools.
Following the ribbon-cutting ceremony and speeches, the community was invited into the new 71,000 square-foot building for a tour.
Below are more photos of the New Early Childhood Center.
