This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2009, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
For more than a decade, real-estate agents and builders told prospective residents of West Valley City's Diamond Summit subdivision that an elementary school was on the verge of being built in the neighborhood, pointing to a large, empty field, nestled between houses and owned by Granite School District.
For years, the land lay dormant.
Debbie Koji, principal of nearby Silver Hills Elementary School, was forever responding to questions about the mythical new school.
"What [builders] forgot to tell them is that until the other schools are full enough and it's economically feasible [to build a new school], they're not going to build it," Koji said. "And so, we've waited."
The wait came to an end and builders' promises were fulfilled last week when Diamond Ridge Elementary opened at 6034 W. Mill Valley Lane.
Students arrived at their neighborhood's new facility on foot or riding bikes, a welcome change from the old method of waiting for the school bus.
"Everything's new, everything's exciting," Koji said. "There's just an aura of excitement in the building. It's fun. It's just fun."
Added Loni Brandol, Diamond Ridge's custodian who has worked to prepare the school for the first day, "It's neat to see how the school has come along. [Being a part of a school opening] is a once-in-a-lifetime experience."
Among those exploring the hallways that first day was Julie Larsen's youngest child.
"When we bought the house [in Diamond Summit, we were told a new school was] a year or two down the road," said the Diamond Summit aide and mother of three.
Larsen's oldest child has since gone to high school, but her youngest now attends the new school -- - - - - -even though the Larsens have since moved away from Diamond Summit.
While the subdivision is thrilled to have its own school, Koji -- who spent the past nine years as principal of Silver Hills Elementary -- might be the giddiest of all.
Walking through the pristine hallways, her excitement was palpable as she gushed "Isn't this cool?" and "I'm so excited," showing off a huge chess set made out of tile.
"For me, this is the ideal way to open a new school," said Koji, who learned to read architectural plans so she could offer her input on the building's construction. "Not only do I know the kids, I know the community. I know the programs and curriculum that they were using, so I'm excited to transition these kids over and keep consistency with their education."
Koji brought 12 teachers with her to Diamond Ridge, about half of her faculty.
"Ever since I've been in education as an administrator, I've really wanted to open a new school because you get to start from ground one," she said.
Koji chose all her favorite aspects of other schools and used them in her own.
"You get to build a culture," she said. "You get to build a community."
And this community has been waiting for a long time.
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Photos by Francisco Kjolseth | The Salt Lake Tribune
Diamond Ridge Elementary in the Diamond Summit subdivision of West Valley City just opened its doors for the first time. Last week, 637 students became acquainted with their brand new school, and there is room for growth.
Shona Roberts, second-grade teacher at the new Diamond Ridge Elementary, conducts show-and-tell with her students.
Emma Muhtarevic, 9, puts away her backpack in her never-been-used locker at the new Diamond Ridge Elementary.