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District unveils schematic plan for Newtown Elementary; 16 modular classrooms planned during two-year renovation
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Summary
Facilities presented schematic designs to reconfigure and enlarge Newtown Elementary with three additions, a new car-drop canopy and two additional kindergarten classrooms; the district plans about 16 modular classrooms to house students during an approximately two-year construction window with modulars targeted in place by July 2027.
The Council Rock School District facilities team presented schematic designs for Newtown Elementary on April 9, describing a full gut-and-renovation with three primary additions — an administrative suite, a loading/mechanical addition and a front car-drop canopy — and interior reconfiguration to create classroom "neighborhoods" and two additional full‑day kindergarten classrooms.
Facilities staff said the project will replace storefronts and windows, add a large gymnasium window to improve daylighting and reuse many existing exterior materials. The team described a layout that provides exterior access for kindergarten and specialized MDS classrooms and adds dedicated storage and mechanical spaces to free up instructional square footage.
On site logistics, presenters said they plan to place modular classrooms in the kindergarten playground area and use the soccer field as a construction staging area. "We are looking at at least 16 classrooms so we can maximize the area of the existing building and minimize the number of times students have to move," a facilities presenter said, adding modulars will include covered connections and restrooms and will be fully connected to utilities and fire alarm systems.
Budget and schedule guidance was provided: staff described RFP budget assumptions that include a 3% inflation projection, and a schedule that carries design through December, modular lease/procurement work April–October of the current year, and a target of having modular classrooms in place by July 2027. Construction was described as approximately two years with modules removed once the permanent building work is complete.
Board members pressed on glazing and safety; presenters noted window shading options and interior shades and said the gym window is a deliberate design choice to brighten interior space. On the playground, staff said the existing main playground will remain in place; only one piece of kindergarten equipment might be moved for modular placement.
The facilities director emphasized code and life‑safety planning for modulars, saying alarms must be connected across proximate buildings and that water, HVAC, data and phone lines will be provided during installation planning. No formal approval or vote was recorded at the meeting; staff recommended proceeding to the facilities committee and board approvals on the timeline discussed.
The board will consider the schematic and recommended next steps at upcoming committee and board meetings; any contract awards and lease agreements for modular classrooms will return with formal action items.
