OXFORD - The doors will open for the first time to students today at the Oxford Regional Education Centre.
The $11.3 million school will house students from grades Primary through 12.
Construction started 18 months ago on Oct. 15, 2007, and replaces both the Oxford Regional High School and Oxford Regional Elementary School.
Enrollment numbers at the end of September, according to the Chignecto Central Regional School Board, were 217 students in the elementary grades, and 247 high school students.
Moving behind the existing high school, the education centre was part of the province's eight-year, $400-million capital construction plan.
The new school came about after the town and its residents, students and staff fought to have it built rather than have the students displaced at other county schools, including Amherst and Springhill.
Then Education Minister Karen Casey was involved with discussions for the school since 2002.
During the groundbreaking ceremony, Casey said it was the hard work and commitment by the community leaders and supporters within the town that led to the decision of building the new facility.
Studies had also been done and determined the best fit was the new school.
