Harrisburg Unit District 3 cuts ribbon on early learning academy

A brand new school welcomes Harrisburg's youngest students this fall with the opening of the Bulldog Early Learning Academy, or BELA.

Harrisburg Unit 3 administrators, local officials, teachers and parents gathered Aug. 8 to celebrate the grand opening of the newly constructed pre-K facility at 301 Bulldog Blvd., directly across from Harrisburg Middle School.

The project's construction had a relatively fast turnaround of 14 months.

Harrisburg Supt. Eric Witges said the new facility, which serves learners ages 3 and up, is something the community will be able to "cherish for years to come."

"This doesn't happen too often in Harrisburg," he said.

Dee Brown, president and CEO of the P3 Group, the developer of the project, said its completion represents giving Harrisburg children of all backgrounds a head start on "the opportunity to pursue dreams that are right here in America."

He added, "Today marks the beginning of a bright future for the Harrisburg school district."

State Sen. Dale Fowler noted that only 14 months had passed since the initial groundbreaking on the project, but its effects will be felt for a long time in the community.

"Congratulations to all the students who are going to benefit," Fowler said.