Chamber selects Adrian R-III as Business of the Month

By SHARON KIESEL

The Adrian Chamber of Commerce’s featured business for August is the Adrian R-3 School. The school was founded in 1882, two years after the founding of the city of Adrian. The school was originally a two story building located on the northwest corner of Fifth and Houston. The first session was held in October, that year, with a faculty of two teachers, a husband and wife. Two more teachers joined the staff, which remained at four, until 1895.

Over the years, a new building was constructed as the student population continued to grow. The Class of 1923 was the first to graduate from there. In 1952, rural schools were beginning to be consolidated, coming into Adrian to school. A new cafeteria, elementary library and eight additional classrooms were added in 1954. In 1967, six more classrooms were added and in 1972, the east gym and music rooms were constructed. Seven new junior high classrooms were also added to the building. The latest addition, the new high school wing, was completed and in use for the 2008-2009 school year.

Today, the student population is about 760 total from preschool to the senior class. Unlike the first graduating class of three, the 2010 Senior Class had 49 graduates.

“We are really proud of our district’s kids,” Dr. Eidson said. “They are performing well above the state averages for both the elementary and the high school testing. And, we have received the Distinction Performance Award for the past nine years.”

Pictured: Chamber of Commerce board member Philip Oates presents Adrian R-III Superintendent Kirk Eidson with a mug and flowers to recognize the R-III School District as the Chamber Business of the Month.