The back of the new Kerr Elementary School.
NEW KERR SHAPING UP INSIDE AND OUTSIDE
Y
es, we have lights! The new Kerr Elementary
School utilities have all been connected, a
sure sign that a new school is on its way.
Any residents passing by have seen a huge
transformation take place during the last few months, and
here are a few facts about the project:
• The construction continues to be on time and on budget,
and it is anticipated that the school will be open for the first
day of the 2019-2020 school year.
• All exterior masonry has been completed, and work on the
exterior panels is continuing.
• The teachers have had the opportunity to tour the school
a few times during the past several weeks and to see their
new classrooms. Lower-level classrooms will be finished by
the end of May, and the upper floors should be finished by
mid-August.
• Work continues on the front entry, the collaboratory, the
gym, and cafeteria, as well as the art and music classrooms.
• Tile work on ceiling; lighting wiring, plumbing, HVAC, and
sprinkler installation; and painting are ongoing.
• Demolition of the old Kerr is slated to begin around
June 12. For the first few weeks, work will be done inside
the building to address compliance issues, such as asbestos
abatement. The asbestos in the building is contained, and
there are no safety issues. All asbestos removal will be
done under the oversight of the Allegheny County Health
An early look at the main office at the new Kerr.
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FOX CHAPEL AREA
Department. A professional asbestos abatement contractor
will be performing this work. In the few weeks after that,
the building will be dismantled for demolition.
Timelines remain tentative, as the schedule is dependent upon
the weather and the construction progress.
According to Kerr Elementary School Principal Paul Noro,
Ed.D., the planning for the new school took into account
today’s students, as well as the students of the future.
“Our new building is a testament to a very thoughtful and
insightful educational vision that emphasizes what our
students need presently to be successful learners in our
world,” he said. “But, just as importantly, it takes a progressive
approach to ensure that we are meeting the needs of our
students as education continues to evolve.”
Current Kerr Elementary kindergarten teacher Katy Wygant
said the upcoming school year in the new building will bring
many great opportunities for students. She will be teaching
the district’s brand-new Pre-Kindergarten program at the
new school.
“I am looking forward to beginning the FCASD Pre-K
program in the innovative spaces of Kerr Elementary,” Mrs.
Wygant said. “Working collaboratively with families across
the district, I am excited for the opportunity to prepare our
youngest learners for kindergarten by strengthening their
social, emotional, and behavioral skills.”
The collaboratory will house the library, a makerspace, a SMALLab learning
space, and a computer science robotics lab.