Brookfield BOE green lights new school design
BROOKFIELD — The new elementary school is another step closer to becoming a reality with the school board’s approval of the schematic design.
Plans for the nearly 139,000square-foot new school include multi-purpose areas, smaller rooms for individualized instruction or support, a flexible cafeteria and spaces designed specifically for various programs, including art, music and physical education.
There are also spaces for the younger students to practice their motor skills.
“We’re really excited about it,” said Superintendent of Schools John Barile.
He said it’s great that the core spaces are included in the design from the beginning so that they can meet the specific needs right away, such as proper instrument storage and appropriate sink for the art studio, rather than retrofitting a regular classroom after.
Another benefit is the parking lot and driveway will allow the whole school to start at the same time. Originally it seemed like too many students would be arriving at the same time for the space and so the start time would have to be staggered.
Barile said Tecton Architects have done a great job incorporating feedback from the three public forums and from speaking with teachers and staff about what they’re looking for in a new school. It also incorporates enrollment.
“It’s a holistic approach to everything,” he said.
That list will be pared down a bit over the next several months as the firm completes the design development phase, which focuses on the interior specifics. This phase will also look at the materials, energy efficiencies and dimensions to find the right balance and make sure the design meets both the district’s needs and budget.
The project costs $78.1 million, but the town expects to only pay $63.3 million of that with the help of a state grant. The district was put on the priority list for the state funding, so Barile said it’s looking good that the grant will come through. They’ll know for sure in the spring though when all the grants are announced.
“This is a big step for Brookfield and this project has been a real community effort over the past four years,” school board chairwoman Rosa Fernandes said. “We are so excited to finally be addressing long standing school facilities issues.”
The new school will serve prekindergarten through fifth grade and be built on the Huckleberry Hill campus. After the school is complete, the older Huckleberry Hill school will be demolished and aging Center Elementary School will be vacated.
Students and the rest of the community will help come up with the name for the new school.
The project will go out to bid in the fall with construction expected to start spring 2021. Students should be able to start in the new building in fall 2022.