Pictured is one of the brand new classrooms at Seward Elementary School this year which is being used by a kindergarten class.
Students are enjoying additional space at Seward Elementary School this year after construction was completed on new additions this past summer.
The project included six brand new classrooms including two computer labs; an expanded area for lunchroom seating, a new multi-purpose room and additional space for equipment in the kitchen.
Seward Elementary School Principal Jessica Dominy said the additional space is making a difference for students this year.
“I just think it is nice that we have the space now to spread out a little bit. With class sizes rising and potentially extra sections being added down the road, it will be nice to have that extra space to use, to fall back on. Only one classroom is not being used right now. It’s been great to have the extra space,” she said.
The new multi-purpose room is currently being used for third grade art but all grade levels have access to it.
“Grade levels can check out the multi-purpose room maybe if they have a grade level assembly or something like that where they need a little bit more space. We can also use that for inside recess on rainy days,” Dominy said.
The $3,283,800 project added 12,771 square feet to the school. Construction began in June of 2013 with substantial completion at the end of May of this year.
While the total number of students is down in number at the elementary school this year because last year’s fourth grade class was extremely large, Dominy said every grade level currently in the building has grown from last year.
“I just think Seward is such a great place to live and people are realizing that the community is where they want to raise their kid so the schools are growing as a result,” Dominy said.
Seward Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Greg Barnes said the district anticipates about 1% growth, district-wide, each year and this year reflects that percentage.
