Officials in the south-central Kansas

town of Greensburg are preparing to greet students this year at the

new $50 million eco-friendly school complex.

The new educational complex has been three years in the making,

since an EF5 tornado nearly wiped Greensburg off the map and killed

13 people. The new facility was funded through insurance payments,

federal support and several partnerships.

Teachers began moving into the building last week. Since the

tornado hit on May 4, 2007, students have had to make do in modular

temporary classrooms.

Every classroom is exposed

to natural light rather than fluorescent light. The school also

boasts new flat screen television where staff can keep an eye on

weather reports.

—