Photo provided Officials with the Ohio Facilities Construction Commission joined a production crew from Columbus-based G2O for a video project at Indian Creek High School that will be released online this summer. ICHS is one of 10 newer school buildings across Ohio being highlighted for how its design and construction have enhanced educational opportunities. Pictured, from left, are district Public Relations Specialist Amy Colantoni, OFCC Planning Manager Ben Delatore, Superintendent Dr. T.C. Chappelear, ICHS Principal Louie Retton, OFCC Planning Manager Payton Riehl and OFCC Chief of Public Affairs Hayley Carducci.

WINTERSVILLE — Indian Creek High School is being spotlighted in a promotional effort by the Ohio Facilities Construction Commission to recognize outstanding school facilities across the state.

ICHS was among only 10 schools selected for a video production that is part of the OFCC’s initiative to create an engaging online resource for school districts showcasing best practices in school planning, design and construction, as well as programs that support student-centered learning environments.

OFCC Planning Managers Payton Riehl and Ben Delatore and Chief of Public Affairs Hayley Carducci were joined by Columbus-based production partner G2O for a one-day shoot on May 18. Camera crews filmed throughout the building and interviewed students, faculty and administrators. The completed videos will be featured on the OFCC website and social media channels this summer.

OFCC leaders said they were pleased to have Indian Creek participate, noting the district serves as a model for other schools.

“We’re especially grateful to Indian Creek Local School District for participating in our video project,” OFCC Executive Director Joy Bledsoe said. “We believe it will serve as a valuable resource for other districts as they begin their own planning process and explore how learning environments have evolved and what’s possible for today’s students.”

Interviews were conducted with Superintendent Dr. T.C. Chappelear, ICHS Principal Louie Retton, Public Relations Specialist Amy Colantoni, teachers Crystal Fluharty, Brad Long, Michelle McCreery, Barbara Turner and Robert Zinsmeister, as well as students Delaney Bates-Dallman, Mikayla Crouch, Noah Flesher, Xavier Vines and Emma Westfall. They shared their perspectives on how the building has enhanced education, from expanding career-technical education pathways to increasing intervention services.

Chappelear discussed the process of creating the school, from gaining community support to fund the project to overseeing construction. He said the district has benefited from its modern facilities, which have expanded educational opportunities for students.

“It’s exciting and we love to show off this building,” Chappelear said. “It’s another example that our community committee did a great job. The committee members who supported it really saw it through. We’ve got a state-of-the-art facility we’re proud of and the OFCC wants to use it as an example for schools across Ohio.”

Planning for the new building began with the development of a master plan in 2016. Voters later approved a bond issue to construct ICHS, build Cross Creek Elementary School and renovate Hills Elementary School.

School officials and teachers toured schools around the state for ideas and sought community input during public meetings. Those discussions identified the need for an auditorium and stadium, and voters later approved a local funding initiative to make those additions possible.

The high school opened in 2022, with the remaining projects completed shortly afterward.

The new high school also expanded career-technical education opportunities in engineering, information technology, fine arts, business, multimedia and natural resources.

Through its natural resources program, ICHS has launched a unique initiative and is the only public high school in Ohio partnering with state agencies, zoos and universities to help save the endangered eastern hellbender salamander from extinction. A biosecure laboratory has been established to raise juvenile hellbenders for future release, with additional salamanders expected in coming years.

Retton said the recognition also highlights the evolution of education.

“This is a great thing to bring attention to our new facilities. I think Indian Creek High School should be recognized throughout the state,” he said. “The OFCC staff contacted us about putting this video together and highlighting the way the facility has supported pathways for CTE. I’m proud that we’re being showcased as one of the schools for this project.”

Photo Caption: Officials with the Ohio Facilities Construction Commission joined a production crew from Columbus-based G2O for a video project at Indian Creek High School that will be released online this summer. ICHS is one of 10 newer school buildings across Ohio being highlighted for how its design and construction have enhanced educational opportunities. Pictured, from left, are district Public Relations Specialist Amy Colantoni, OFCC Planning Manager Ben Delatore, Superintendent Dr. T.C. Chappelear, ICHS Principal Louie Retton, OFCC Planning Manager Payton Riehl and OFCC Chief of Public Affairs Hayley Carducci.