| Graham Local School District | |
|---|---|
| Motto | Triumph With Honor |
| Established | 1957 |
| Type | Public School District |
| Superintendent | James Zerkle |
| Academic staff | 123 |
| Admin. staff | 119 |
| Students | 2,300 (2007-2008) |
| Location | St. Paris, Ohio, U.S. |
| Campus | Rural |
| Colors | Black and White |
| Mascot | Falcon |
| Website | http://www.graham.k12.oh.us |
Graham Local School District is a rural district in Champaign County, Ohio. The district serves the St. Paris area, and several other small communities including: Rosewood, Christiansburg, Terre Haute, Carysville, Millerstown, Westville and Thackery. The district is named after local legend A.B. Graham, the founder of the 4-H agriculture program.
Currently, Graham LSD is one of the largest school districts in Ohio, in terms of area covered. The district covers over 185 square miles (480 km2), which is nearly the size the Columbus, Ohio. Despite this, the number of students is relatively small, which is estimated to be about 2300 district-wide.
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Before the Graham Local School District existed, there were six independent schools in the western Champaign county area: Concord, Christiansburg-Jackson, Rosewood, St. Paris, Terre Haute and Westville. Each school consisted of a one building school which housed all grades for their respected population.
In 1957, these 6 buildings were consolidated to form one district, Graham. Concord School became Graham East Elementary. Christiansburg-Jackson School and Rosewood School became Graham South Elementary and Graham North Elementary, respectively. The St. Paris School became Graham Junior High School, and Graham High School was built on U.S. Route 36, near Kite Road.
Its unclear what Westville and Terre Haute schools were used for initially after the merger. Currently, the Concord school building is used as a community center.
In 2000, a new building, Graham Middle School, was constructed just east of St. Paris on 36. The old Graham Junior High School building is currently used for the Board of Education, administrative offices, and the Graham Digital Academy.
In 2007, yet another building, Graham Elementary, was built right next to the Middle School. Graham Elementary replaced the venerable elementary schools of Graham South and Graham North. Both old building were demolished, after nearly 100 years of service.
In 2006, Graham Elementary School underwent a $13 million dollar renovation, including a new kitchen area, air conditioning, and a new gymnasium.
Graham High School
7800 West US Hwy 36
St. Paris, Ohio 43072
(937) 663-4127
Opened: 1957
Grades: 9-12
Current Enrollment: 632
Graham Middle School
9644 West US Hwy 36
St. Paris, Ohio 43072
(937) 663-5339
Opened: 2000
Grades: 6-8
Current Enrollment: 533
Graham Elementary School
9464 West US Hwy 36
St. Paris, Ohio 43072
(937) 663-4449
Opened: 2007
Grades: K-5
Current Enrollment: 1055
Graham Digital Academy
370 East Main Street
St. Paris, Ohio 43072
(937) 663-4123
In 2000, several graduates representing Graham's six founding schools created The Graham Community Foundation, which is designed to raise funds for scholarships and grants for Graham students. To date, the Foundation has raised $75,000 for this purpose. The funds are administrated by the Troy Foundation in Troy Ohio. Only the interest earned is used for the awards. Since starting the Foundation, fourteen scholarships and grants have been awarded.
"The mission of the Graham Local Schools, in concert with family and community, is to provide students with the opportunity to reach their maximum potential in order to function successfully in a changing world."