2016-2017
f ox c hapel a rea s chool d istrict s tate of the s chools
Another proposed feature of the new Kerr is the addition of a language
immersion program that would allow students to be taught in both
English and Spanish during the entire school day. Students from all four
elementary schools would have the opportunity to enroll in the new program.
Additionally, there are plans to include open areas outside of the building
that would be designated for instructional purposes and a pre-kindergarten
program is being proposed to help children better prepare for school.
The decision to build a new Kerr came after lengthy research and discussion
when the School Board and administration concluded that even with extensive
renovations, the nearly 90-year-old building would be inadequate, both
structurally and programmatically. Additionally, a renovation would not
have been cost-effective in the long run. Public meetings have been held with
parents, Kerr neighbors, and other interested residents. Planning for the new
building will continue throughout the 2017-2018 school year and there is no
plan to redistrict students to different elementary schools. Additionally, Kerr
students will not be displaced during the construction of the new building.
Additional Renovations
Renovations began in the summer of 2016 at Dorseyville Middle School and
the summer of 2017 at Fairview and O’Hara elementary schools. Renovations
at all three schools include new office spaces and upgrades to improve the safety
and security of students and staff, as well as mechanical upgrades. Additionally,
makerspaces are being added at DMS and O’Hara, and common spaces were
renovated. To make the entry and exit from Hartwood and Dorseyville safer and
easier to navigate, a new driveway was also added. Dorseyville Middle School
had upgrades to the gymnasium, the food lab, and the art classrooms. O’Hara is
also receiving upgrades to the library, art rooms, and hallways; is getting
three new special education classrooms; and is getting a new playground area
and equipment.
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