Berlin Brothersvalley School District

The very first school in Berlin was a log building, built in 1777 by the Lutheran and Reformed congregations. It was known as the Union School and was located near the old Reformed Cemetery. As time went on, many more buildings were built and utilized as schools. Berlin accepted the public school system in 1836 and a public school was built on the southwest corner of South and Diamond Streets. Public school terms were gradually lengthened until 1920, when it was extended to nine months. In 1924 Berlin had a four year high school course with thirty students graduating. In 1936-37 the present high school was built on East Main Street, with students gradually being added from the outlying areas such as Allegheny, Brothersvalley, Fairhope and Northampton Townships as well as New Baltimore Borough. With numerous additions and renovations, the school continued to meet the education needs of the district until, in the early 1990&s;s a major renovation was undertaken. A new chorus room and band room were added along with several new classrooms. A new gym floor was also added. In the 1991-92 school year the student population grew to its largest size of 1227 students. In 1999 a middle school consisting of grades five through eight, was formed in a wing of the new elementary school, with the middle school having its own principal and guidance counselor. In 2003 a three-phase, twelve million dollar construction project began. this was brought about as a result of a district wide study that indicated a need for structural improvements and renovations to an aging complex, as well as the need to bring the school into compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and its accessibility standards. Phase I included a new elementary parking lot, a new wheelchair lift for the elementary school, a personal care room for handicapped students, an ADA ramp for the high school gym, new bleachers with handicapped seating and a complete renovation of the football bleachers, press box and concession stand. Phase II began in ...