Planning commission recommends 3-year extension for Littlejohn Elementary modular classroom

The DeKalb Planning and Zoning Commission on June 2 voted to forward to the City Council a recommendation to extend the special‑use permit for a modular classroom at Littlejohn Elementary School, 1133 N. 13th St., through Aug. 15, 2028.

Tammy Carson, director of facility and safety operations for DeKalb School District, told the commission the unit provides classroom and student‑support space that the district still needs while it maintains a two‑way dual‑language program at Littlejohn. “We are getting rid of the unit that came in in 02/2017 ... the unit is being removed, and a new unit would be coming in, and it is a brand new unit that'll be coming and that'll be for our students and staff to use,” Carson said.

Staff reported the site originally received a special‑use permit in 2017 and has received subsequent extensions; the existing ordinance recorded a removal deadline of Aug. 15, 2025. Staff said the proposed replacement unit matches the current footprint — 70 by 24 feet — and adds a vestibule and restroom; parking and annual regional office of education inspections are unchanged. The district said current enrollment at Littlejohn was about 291 at the close of the 2024–25 school year with a projected 263 students next year, and that maintaining three sections per grade for the dual‑language program drives the need for the modular space.

The commission asked whether a permanent addition had been planned; Carson said the district is evaluating longer‑term options and that new board members are being briefed on those possibilities. Commissioners also asked about utilities; Carson said the site has an existing sanitary hookup from a prior unit and the district will reconnect plumbing and coordinate subcontractors and inspections.

The staff report noted one written opposition from Jason Leverton of 1221 N. 13th St., citing the temporary nature of a modular classroom and safety concerns, and written support from Frederick and Lois Lathrop of 210 Oak St. The sample motion before the commission would extend the special‑use permit and require removal and restoration of the surface to grass by Aug. 15, 2028.

Commissioner Right moved that the Planning and Zoning Commission forward its findings and recommend City Council approve an amendment to the ordinance to extend the timeframe for the modular classroom; Commissioner Pena Graham seconded. Roll call votes recorded in the transcript show Pena Graham and Right voting yes; the motion was forwarded to council.

The commission’s action was a recommendation: final approval and any ordinance changes remain subject to City Council review and vote.