Front of Oliver Brown Elementary. (Photo by Derek Simmons/KMAN)
Cheryl Brown Henderson (left) and USD 383 school board president Jurdene Coleman (right) participating in a ribbon cutting at the Oliver Brown Elementary open house. (Photo by Derek Simmons/KMAN)
Cheryl Brown Henderson speaking at the Oliver Brown Elementary open house. (Photo by Derek Simmons/KMAN)
Oliver Brown Elementary principal Erin Lopez speaking at the Oliver Brown Elementary open house. (Photo by Derek Simmons/KMAN)
Front of Oliver Brown Elementary. (Photo by Derek Simmons/KMAN)
Front of Oliver Brown Elementary. (Photo by Derek Simmons/KMAN)
Oliver Brown Elementary plaque inside the school cafeteria. (Photo by Derek Simmons/KMAN)
Oliver Brown Elementary cafeteria. (Photo by Derek Simmons/KMAN)
Oliver Brown Elementary kitchen. (Photo by Derek Simmons/KMAN)
Oliver Brown Elementary art room. (Photo by Derek Simmons/KMAN)
Oliver Brown Elementary kindergarten room. (Photo by Derek Simmons/KMAN)
Oliver Brown Elementary lobby. (Photo by Derek Simmons/KMAN)
Oliver Brown Elementary library. (Photo by Derek Simmons/KMAN)
Oliver Brown Elementary computer room. (Photo by Derek Simmons/KMAN)
Typical set up in Oliver Brown Elementary computer room. (Photo by Derek Simmons/KMAN)
Oliver Brown Elementary classroom. (Photo by Derek Simmons/KMAN)
Oliver Brown Elementary playground. (Photo by Derek Simmons/KMAN)
Oliver Brown Elementary swing set. (Photo by Derek Simmons/KMAN)
Oliver Brown Elementary playground. (Photo by Derek Simmons/KMAN)
Oliver Brown Elementary nurse’s room. (Photo by Derek Simmons/KMAN)
Signs in the Oliver Brown Elementary explaining the history of Oliver Brown and the Brown vs. Board of Education Supreme Court case. (Photo by Derek Simmons/KMAN)
Oliver Brown Elementary gymnasium. (Photo by Derek Simmons/KMAN)
Oliver Brown Elementary music room. (Photo by Derek Simmons/KMAN)
Dozens gathered Saturday to attend the open house of USD 383’s first new school building in 25 years – Oliver Brown Elementary.
The event kicked off with speeches by a few local school leaders and Cheryl Brown Henderson, the daughter of the school’s namesake, who was part of the famed Brown vs. Board of Education Supreme Court case.
While addressing the crowd, Brown spoke about her father’s legacy and beliefs.
In her speech, Henderson also spoke about why Oliver Brown Elementary teachers will make the school a special place for students.
Also speaking at the event was Oliver Brown Elementary principal and Manhattan native Erin Lopez, who says the opportunity to lead the new school is a dream come true.
Despite Lopez’s excitement about the opportunity before her, she says it has not always been her goal to work in education.
Lopez says that going forward, she has a vision for what she wants the school to be.
Those in attendance were allowed to go on tours of the new building after the conclusion of the speeches.
Students at Oliver Brown Elementary will begin classes on August 18.
