Board approves design phase for Lyons Farm modular classrooms to relieve chronic overcrowding

Durham Public Schools approved design work for a modular learning village at Lyons Farm Elementary School to address persistent overcrowding and referred accompanying boundary and rightsizing conversations to the facilities committee.

Facilities staff told the board Lyons Farm’s planned capacity is 584, current enrollment is about 658 and projected day‑40 enrollment is between 672 and 686. After exploring boundary changes, program relocations and the reuse of older district modulars, staff said ordering new modular units now is the only viable route to add seats in time to ease pressure by fall 2027 because manufacture and installation take roughly 12–15 months.

"It takes 12 to 15 months. If we make the decision now, we're sitting at a 12 month window to open the modulars in fall of 2027," facilities staff said. Staff proposed a phased approach: phase one approves design drawings and permitting; phase two will return with contractor selection, utility work and an installation schedule.

Board members asked for more robust community engagement and for facilities to consider siting that minimizes disruption and facilitates future permanent additions. Staff said they had evaluated multiple placement options and selected a location near the front of campus to reduce slope, drainage and utility conflicts and to keep modulars near planned future building expansions.

The board approved the design phase unanimously and directed the facilities committee to work through boundary adjustments and related rightsizing options so that modulars provide relief while longer‑term capacity solutions are developed.

Provenance: Presentation and enrollment figures introduced at Lyons Farm discussion (SEG 2341) and approval recorded when the design motion passed (SEG 2775).