IRONTON, Ohio (WSAZ) -- The new Ironton High School has raised the learning bar to a completely different level, students and staff say.

Wednesday marked the first day of school in the nearly $21.5 million facility, and it drew rave reviews.

Chemistry teacher John Distel says he's beyond impressed. Among the new building's features are carbon filtration systems in all the science lab sinks to the electronic and openly visual entryways and 54-camera digital school security system.

Distel is among many who agree the local tax and matching state dollars spent on the new Ironton High School were worth every penny -- and more.

"It was well designed," Distel says. "The form and function fit well -- making learning much easier."

Student Pierce Reeves says, "The home economics rooms are great. We've got brand new ovens, and I like the total handicapped accessibility. I love it all."

To enhance the arts, the new 600-seat acoustically constructed Ironton High auditorium comes complete with painted oak flooring and orchestra pit.

Superintendent Dean Nance says in the four years of planning and two years of construction, the emphasis has been on attention to detail. It includes an interior color scheme suggested by a color psychologist to inspire student energy and alertness.

Nance says the hope is to provide calmness and motivate the learning process.

In addition, character and tradition are crucial at Ironton High. Around the corner from the new entrance, you can see that the new school was built around the salvaged original 1922 school entryway. And with the old school ticket booth and a hallowed archway incorporated into the new cafeteria, there are blends of tech and traditional all around.

On the third floor, workers also salvaged the old Ironton High library. It's now a reading center -- complete with an uncovered fireplace. It also will be used for board meetings and community functions.

Many say they're finding this blend of old and new enhances school pride. And they say that pride is a catalyst and key to better learning.

Ironton schools also began the year with a new attendance policy.
Administrators hope the revisions deter habitual absentees by offering Saturday or after-school make up time -- or the student loses class credits.