School board approves floor plans for renovated Aurora Heights Elementary

Schematic designs for the addition and renovation of Aurora Heights Elementary were approved April 22 by the Newton school board, an action that finally gives officials and the public a better idea of how the configuration will look in the coming years when the district ultimately transitions to two elementary schools.

John Darveau of FRK Architects + Engineers said over the past month the firm has worked with administrators at Newton Community School District to develop a design that meets the needs of the district and fits into the existing building. The new addition will be built on the north side of the building.

As a result the facade of the elementary school will be revamped and create a new front entry, which would allow an additional bus lane and parking that would be separated from the existing bus lane that will transition into a parent drop-off lane. The topography of the site will be utilized to drop down a floor.

“Creating a lower floor to this building in the addition, and then an upper floor that lines up with the existing building,” Darveau said.

From the new entry point is a secured vestibule that connects to the front office and features rooms for the principal, the nurse, the SRO and an instructional coach. On the same floor are three preschool rooms, five kindergarten rooms, a 200-seat gymnasium and restrooms. Stairwells lead up to the next floor.

The main level floor plan features five first grade rooms, four second grade rooms, four third grade rooms and four fourth grade rooms sequestered in clusters along various areas. The cafeteria, art room, music room, ESL room, media center and special education rooms are also featured on this floor.

In total, the new Aurora Heights will have a capacity of 500 students in grades K-4 and 108 students for half-day pre-K. According to timelines provided by FRK, the school board is expected to award bids by late October and approve the contract by mid-November.

The estimated overall construction cost is $12.78 million. Soft costs and equipment costs bring the total cost to about $15.04 million.