County approves private school in West Delray

Palm Beach County commissioners approved zoning changes Wednesday to allow for the construction of a private elementary school in West Delray.

Divine Savior Academy is set to open in the fall on Lyons Road near Mizner Country Club. Commissioners voted 3-2 in support of the project after listening to more than three hours of public comment.

The school has sparked opposition from neighbors who argue it will worsen traffic, while supporters of the project say the school will be a great addition to the community and help draw families to Palm Beach County.

Attorney Neil Schiller, who is representing opponents, argued the county did not follow guidelines in approving the project. will be appealing this process,” he said. “It’s not over by any stretch of the imagination.”

Carlos Leyrer, president of Divine Savior Ministries, said the school is going to “bring worldclass, excellent education.”

“It is going to be a safe and moral environment for children of all backgrounds and religious walks,” Leyrer said. “We want to provide kids with strong core spiritual values.”

At maximum capacity, the school will accommodate 392 students in grades pre-K through 5, as well as 106 children at a campus day care. A 300-seat church also is planned for the site.

The Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod will operate the school. WELS, which is one of the largest private school sys“We

tems in the country, operates more than 300 schools nationwide, including a campus in Doral.

Supporters said the building plan includes several provisions to minimize traffic concerns.

Enrollment will rise over time as Lyons Road is widened to allow for more traffic. Turn lanes will be added. Staggered start times will ensure families don’t arrive to drop off children at the same time.

Commissioners also put conditions on the approval.

Enrollment will be capped at 75 students the first year with an additional 30 allowed each year until construction on Lyons Road is completed.

The county plans to begin widening the road in 2018 and complete the project in 2020. The approval does not allow for the addition of a middle or high school.

Commissioners Steven Abrams, Paulette Burdick and Hal Valeche voted in favor of the project.

Mary Lou Berger and Mack Bernard cast dissenting votes. Dave Kerner and Melissa McKinlay were absent for the vote.