About Us

The Boardman Performing Arts Center is a state-of-the-art facility showcasing music, arts and culture that many people have the privilege to enjoy. When the high school was built in 1969, the voters rejected the initial bond issue to build an auditorium, so the high school was built without one. Music and drama performances continued to be held at Boardman Center Middle School (formerly the high school). Another bond issue was proposed in 1994 to build an auditorium, and once again, it was defeated. When Larry Saxton took the position of Superintendent in 1996, he immediately formed a strategic team to study the benefits of an auditorium at the high school. He made the proposal to the Board of Education that would allow for construction of the auditorium without costing the community additional taxes is 1997, an action committee was formed, and they raised the $1.5 million from private contributions to complement the $3 million Improvement Funds used for the exterior shell. The contributors made it possible to complete the interior, purchase furnishings and the final product and incredible state-of-the-art facility. The Groundbreaking Ceremony was May 31, 1999 and in August 20th, the Boardman Performing Arts Center opened it’s doors for the first time.