WHEELING — Ritchie Elementary School turns 100 years old in 2026, and its principal wants to celebrate the milestone with a new playground.

The current playground is a blacktop field with a high fence around it where students play kickball, and principal Amy Ritz envisions it could be more.

The estimated price tag to add equipment there is $210,000.

This week Ritz asked board of education members for permission to start raising the funds.

Board members unanimously approved the idea.

Ritz has been principal at Ritchie School since July.

“If you haven’t been to Ritchie recently, you need to make an excuse to come,” she told board members. “This is an incredible facility with an outstanding staff.

“When you leave, you will feel good about yourself. The kids will make you smile, and you

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