At one point, the 1-square-mile town of about 700 people and just north of Interstate 70 on Ohio 49, used the building for grades kindergarten through 12.
It became part of the Northmont school system in 1959, and most older children advanced to Northmont High School after their elementary years.
Last year, the Northmont board elected to close the building and absorb about 170 students (and about 27 others) into its Union Elementary School — anticipating saving at least $550,000.
It has turned out to be a savings of closer to $800,000, according to Northmont business manager Bob McClintock.
Still, it was difficult closing the building.
“There were terrible, gut-wrenching feelings in closing that building,” said board member Tom Walker. “It was a feel-good little building, and it became personal. It’s like having an old pair of shoes. Nobody wants to give up those old shoes.”
Some Phillipsburg residents continue to dislike the move, but the students moved together to the same school, where the familiar Kevin Grone was principal. He previously had been principal at Phillipsburg.
Meanwhile, the 11,000-square-foot Phillipsburg building was bought at auction in December for $30,000 by Marge and Terry Miller of Vandalia and Don and Mary Watson of Tipp City, who hope they can resurrect it as a gathering place for children.
“We want to use it for community outreach,” Miller said. “There is a potential to use it for home-schooled children, too.”
Until then, Phillipsburg Elementary has not been forgotten.
Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2157 or mkatz@DaytonDailyNews.com.
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