Thomas Jefferson Elementary schematics add more classrooms, rework drop-off

Schematics for the new addition and renovation of Thomas Jefferson Elementary School were approved by the Newton board last month, and although the overall designs are not as extensive as the revamped Aurora Heights Elementary School they still add extra classrooms and rework the parent and bus drop-off lanes .

FRK Architects + Engineers unveiled the schematics during the May 20 school board meeting. According to copies of the main level floor plan, the new addition is located on the northeast corner of the building. This addition would add four new classrooms, and they are currently classified as fourth grade classrooms.

The approximately 5,200-square-foot addition would increase the school’s capacity to around 500 students.

Thomas Jefferson Elementary is expected to have five sections of kindergarten and first grade and four sections of second, third and fourth grades. Architects said a lot of existing space will likely be reassigned to match those changes in grade sections, which is needed with the inclusion of more students.

Several portions of the existing building will remain untouched. For instance, there are no plans to renovate or reassign spaces like the media center, gym, art room, music room, cafeteria and kitchen. The bulk of the major renovations come in the administration suite, which would also move the entry to the building.

Reception will be directly connected to the front entrance vestibule, allowing for a more safe and secured entryway. The rest of the administration suite is composed of the nurse’s office, a flex office and the principal’s office. Architects say they also want to make the entrance more visible and inviting than it is now.

To build on that same principle, architects are proposing a soft seating area to give a warm and friendly feeling on the inside as well. This specific area will also be located next to the guidance office and the office for the school resource officer. Special education classrooms will also be renovated.

Other changes to the school affect the exterior space. Schematic designs show an expanded playground and a new parent drop-off lane on the west side of the building. The new bus drop-off will be located on the north side of the building next a new playground area. Parking capacity will be increased to 97 stalls.

“So this is a pretty significant change in the current site layout,” said Rachelle Hines of FRK. “This is to help with the flow and parent and bus drop-off flow.”

Additional renovations to the existing building include a fire protection system, upgrades to the fire alarms and the HVAC system, electrical system updates and a partial replacement of the roof. The current track location will also be the location of a new south drive for parent drop-offs and pickups.

By arranging the lane this way, architects are hopeful it will alleviate stacking on public roadways and provide additional event parking.

Construction of the new addition is not expected to start until October 2024. The remodel is not expected to start until May 2025.

According to school district documents included in the board agenda, the total cost for the new addition and remodel is estimated at more than $7.3 million. The actual construction cost is more than $5.59 million. Hines said the budget is not much different than what was originally estimated.