Ribbon-cutting at Luther C. Klager Elementary School
Luther C. Klager’s descendants participated in the ribbon-cutting ceremony on Friday, September 5, 2025, celebrating the completion of bond-funded renovations. Archer Evans (front, left), Klager’s great, great grandson, holds the ribbon that has been cut. Caption information courtesy of Regina Hopkins and Olivia Wenzel. Photo courtesy of Manchester Community Schools.
by Sara Swanson
On Friday, September 5, Klager Elementary School held a ribbon-cutting ceremony, officially concluding the renovations to the building and the playground that began with a groundbreaking ceremony on May 30 last spring. The renovations were paid for with a bond passed by voters in November of 2023 and included increasing natural lighting; adding ADA–approved playground equipment; upgrading classrooms, including new clocks, audio, and touchscreen panels; increasing security and safety; installing new HVAC units, plumbing, and lighting upgrades; and gym and media center remodels with added technology and new furniture.
The elementary school was named after Luther C. Klager, a school board member and founder of Manchester’s beloved institution, the Chicken Broil, which just celebrated its 72nd year. Special guests at the ribbon-cutting included Klager’s descendants: his daughter, Janice Little, a retired teacher; Little’s grandson, Adam Little; Little’s granddaughter, Emily Evans; and Little’s great-grandson, Archer Evans, a current Klager student.
Klager students present for the ribbon-cutting ceremony. Caption information courtesy of Regina Hopkins and Olivia Wenzel. Photo courtesy of Manchester Community Schools.
Klager Elementary School had beautiful weather for the ribbon-cutting ceremony. Caption information courtesy of Regina Hopkins and Olivia Wenzel. Photo courtesy of Manchester Community Schools.
Left to right: GMB employee; Dina McKawy; GMB employee; Brent Kinnunen; Moore Trosper; Colleen Schoenfeld, school board member; Jennifer Caszatt, school board member; Michael Tindall, school board member; Emily (Little) Evans, Klager descendant; (child) Archer Evans, Klager descendant and current Klager student; Janice Little, Klager’s daughter and retired teacher; Adam Little, Klager descendant; Bryan Houttekier, building and grounds director; Benjamin Bruursema, technology director; and Steven Head, superintendent. Caption information courtesy of Regina Hopkins and Olivia Wenzel. Photo courtesy of Manchester Community Schools.
Ellen Supers, innovation lab teacher and librarian. Caption information courtesy of Regina Hopkins and Olivia Wenzel. Photo courtesy of Manchester Community Schools.
Superintendent Steve Head addresses the attendees. Caption information courtesy of Regina Hopkins and Olivia Wenzel. Photo courtesy of Manchester Community Schools.
Teacher Brandi Bradley leads Klager kids in a rousing mega cheer! Caption information courtesy of Regina Hopkins and Olivia Wenzel. Photo courtesy of Manchester Community Schools.
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