The Norristown Area School District is investing $12 million in an expansion project amidst a space crunch, writes Kenny Cooper for WHYY.
The district will soon install prefabricated additions at Cole Manor Elementary, Hancock Elementary, and the administration building. Both elementary schools will gain over 11,000 square feet of new space. The expansion includes eight full-size classrooms, flexible learning areas, bathrooms, and modern HVAC systems. The administration building will gain 16 new office spaces to ease overcrowding.
“We’re effectively out of additional space,” said Superintendent Christopher Dormer, pointing to growing enrollment and increasing special education needs.
The project is budget and time-conscious. The prefabricated units will cut costs by more than half compared to traditional construction and shorten the timeline for occupancy.
“As they’re going through the process of permits and so forth, they’re constructing the product at the same time,” said District COO Jeffrey Cardwell.
The timing of the expansion is critical. New housing developments near the former Kennedy Kenrick Catholic High School will likely bring a fresh wave of students to the area. The district wants to be ready.
Learn more about the Norristown Area School District’s plans for a cost-effective expansion in WHYY.
