Harry S Truman Elementary

Borrowed from Jasper County Schools Website

In 1997 the Alba grade school was deemed to be unsafe. It was estimated that it would

cost $180,000 to correct the numerous safety violations at the 90-year-old building. Nine

new subdivisions had opened east of Oronogo and the idea was brought forth to build a

new school at the intersection of 96 & D Highways on 30 acres of land purchased by the

district in May 1995 for the sum of $86,156.

A two million dollar bond issue was brought before the voters in April 1997 and was defeated

by less than 1 percent of the number of votes needed to pass. The issue was brought before

the voters again in June and was then passed. In July, architect Jim Latimer presented plans

for the new building to the school board. The plans were approved and Crossland Construction

Company of Columbus, Kansas was awarded the construction contract after submitting the low

bid of $1,886,100.

In October 1997, Homer Scott of Purcell suggested that the new school be named after

President Harry S Truman was born in Lamar, Missouri, about 30 miles from the new school.

A groundbreaking ceremony was held in December 1997. Construction began in 1998 and the

school was ready for the 1998-99 term. An open house was held on August 18, 1998. The new

L-shaped school building contained 19 classrooms, a media center, computer lab, kitchen,

commons area, a multi-purpose room and an art/music room.

2004, Harry S Truman Elementary School