Building Futures: South Park Elementary Center Construction Will Soon Begin to Take Shape

Building Futures: South Park Elementary Center Construction Will Soon Begin to Take Shape
Posted on 02/09/2023
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A combination of steady growth, expanded student services, and our mission to continue providing 21st Century learning opportunities for all children will be addressed by the South Park Elementary Center Construction & Renovation Project. 


After a series of planning and development meetings, the South Park School Board of Directors approved this project at our February 9 meeting. The project’s approval is the latest step in a planned strategy to build on the proud tradition of South Park School District.


This exciting project will make a lasting impact to our district and bring with it a few short-term challenges. The South Park Board of Directors and administration have worked tirelessly to minimize disruption as much as possible. We would like to sincerely thank everyone in advance for their patience and support as we navigate this process while continuing to meet the needs of our youngest learners.


Below are some initial questions we have received regarding the project. Throughout each phase of the project, we will continue to update families and children on the progress of the project, and changes that we are making to routines and procedures. Thank you for being alert to these forthcoming changes.


What will it look like? 

Administrators envision the expansion of the elementary center to include an overall increase in space for our growing student population, as well as dedicated spaces for additional learning support classrooms, speech/language areas, an enhanced technology classroom, a hearing/vision area and the addition of large group instruction rooms.



What can my student expect? 

Contractors will be on site beginning in early March 2023 and, although our goal is to keep distractions to a minimum, there will be typical construction sounds during the school day beginning in early March 2023 and throughout the 2023-2024 school year. The target completion date is August 2024 in time for the 2024-25 school year. 


During the construction and renovation project, we will use four portable classrooms to separate students from highly active construction zones. These classrooms will be equipped with all necessary learning materials and technology. Students will be able use the restrooms via a paved walkway covered by an awning. The safety and security of all students is of the utmost importance and additional safety measures will be implemented. 


Parking lot and extended roadway paving will take place during the summer. Initially, there will be no changes to the bus drop off/pick up area. Construction trailers will be located near the car rider area, We will communicate any additional changes for car riders as necessary. . 


Students will continue to eat lunch in the cafeteria while the building's kitchen is under renovation later this spring.  Breakfast and lunch will continue to be served during the school day.  The food will be prepared off-site and delivered to the Elementary Center.   Teachers and staff will inform students of what to expect and the South Park School District will communicate to parents and the community with updates as needed. 


How much will it cost? 

The SPEC construction and renovation project is an approximately $32 million endeavor. Financial planning for the project began in early 2021 as the board and finance administration developed a borrowing strategy that would fund the project while continuing to meet the needs of the students and district operations.


How can I learn more? 

We will continue to provide relevant updates on our website (www.sparksd.org), via SchoolMessenger and other channels throughout the project so that all stakeholders are informed and aware. Once again, we would  like to thank our school community for your partnership and patience as we ensure South Park Elementary Center is a state-of-the-art facility for years to come.  


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