Tuesday marked the start of a new school year for thousands of students across the Alleghenies, including some who returned to find much-improved school buildings.

At Bellefonte Area High School, renovations are complete after several years and $35 million. The superintendent said there are more than 100 surveillance cameras on the premises to deter vandals and keep the school looking new.

The building houses a brand-new gymnasium and library, as well as about a dozen new classrooms, multiple computer labs and more.

All of the old classrooms received upgrades along the way as well. The principal said the school offers the students a much more competitive education, and students agreed.

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"Other schools I've seen really don't step up to the plate compared to our high school. And you just get a really good feeling when you walk into their schools and you see just how fabulous you have it," said Brett Corl, a Bellefonte senior.

Also in Centre County, Bald Eagle Area and the State College Area School Districts have ideas on tab for renovations as well.

State High's potential renovation and building plans have come under scrutiny in the past, but the new school board is looking for more community involvement with the current district-wide master plan. The first steering committee meeting is expected to take place in two weeks.

Tuesday also marked the first day of classes of classes in the Greater Johnstown School District. More than 1,000 students in grades 9 through 12 were on hand to kick of the new year at the high school. The school is enjoying its second straight year of success from the state PSSA testing, and high school Principal Dan Resenic said big things are expected this year as well.

It was also the first day of classes in two Huntingdon County school districts: Huntingdon Area District and Juniata Valley, where modular units have been set up behind the high school building for use as temporary classrooms as a high school reconstruction project is set to begin.

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