Huckabee Architects developed the plans for the school with a focus on student autonomy, a power commons and campus identity, according to Kerri Brandy, the vice president of educational practice with Huckabee.
Student autonomy is shown through a design and culture to encourage student independence and advocacy as well as allowing students to utilize the whole campus for learning. The power commons design provides innovative uses of single-function common spaces and a culture that focuses on the campus community and sub-communities within, Brandy said. Designs also aim to provide campus identity by strongly reflecting the architectural character, culture or design of the surrounding area.
The three concepts were brought together to create the layout for the new elementary school, which provides easy access to administrative offices for visitors as well as a connected cafeteria and library, providing better access for students who wish to read during their lunch break. A platform that opens to the music room is also connected to the cafeteria.
With two stories of academic spaces, student pods are well connected and have teacher workspaces in close proximity, allowing better supervision, Brandy said.
The board is expected to award a construction contract Oct. 10 following the Sept. 22 deadline for proposal submissions. With a Nov. 1 construction start date, the campus is slated for completion by the end of April 2024.
To view the full presentation on the new elementary school, watch the board work session here.
