New Missouri Elementary Features Collaborative Spaces for Each Grade Level

Renderings and floor plans of a new elementary school were shared in the last Washington School District board meeting. The new, two-story elementary school will replace South Point Elementary and is funded by Prop S, a $26 million bond issue approved in April.

Bond Architects and Washington Engineering gave a presentation to board members on the project. The 78,000-square-foot building will be “angular with both rustic and industrial flair inside and out featuring a dynamic color scheme,” Superintendent Dr. Lori VanLeer, told a local newspaper. The school will feature collaborative spaces for each grade level with books available to check out in each space in addition to a library/makerspace with space for full class instruction and room to build projects.

Classrooms for kindergarten through second grade will be on the first floor with third through sixth grade on the second level. The gym, located on the main floor in the center of the building, will also be a storm shelter with adjacent bathrooms and a backup generator.

Construction bids will go out in early January and a contract will be awarded in late January or early February with construction beginning in the spring of 2020.

The new school is estimated to cost $23 to $24 million and slated to open in August 2021.

About the Author

Yvonne Marquez is senior editor of Spaces4Learning. She can be reached at [email protected].

Featured

  • Montclair State University Debuts New VR Facility

    Montclair State University in Montclair, N.J., recently announced the completion of a new virtual reality learning facility developed in partnership with Dreamscape Learn, according to a news release. The 2,450-square-foot lab space is inside the College of Communication and Media building and will serve students pursuing careers in digital media, virtual reality, and content creation.

  • Phoenix School District Breaks Ground on New Prep Academy

    The Creighton Elementary School District near Phoenix, Ariz., recently broke ground on a campus replacement for Biltmore Preparatory Academy, according to a news release. The new space will allow the school to expand its enrollment by 50 percent for K–8 students and accommodate modern, collaborative learning styles.

  • Cleveland High School Breaks Ground on Modernization

    Portland Public Schools in Portland, Ore., recently announced that construction has begun on a modernization project for Cleveland High School, according to a news release. The existing building will be replaced with a new, 300,000-square-foot facility at the same site.

  • Back-to-School Playground Safety: 7 Common Hazards to Look for After Summer Break

    As summer break comes to an end, school administrators have plenty to prepare before students return. While classrooms, hallways and common areas often receive attention during all the back-to-school preparations, the playground should not be overlooked. Months of weather exposure, storms, and regular wear can leave behind hazards that may not be immediately noticeable.