When complete, the renovated Carnegie Elementary School will be more accessible to students, have improved safety and security features and updated classrooms and student support spaces, Carlynton School District officials say.
Builders and district officials broke ground on the roughly $18 million project Monday.
Superintendent John Kreider said the renovation will rectify the building’s aging infrastructure and make enhancements that will allow teachers to continue programming at higher levels.
The project will bring the cafetorium — a multipurpose cafeteria and auditorium space — and library to the first floor of the building, Kreider said. Both spaces currently sit on the building’s bottom level.
Additionally, the project will create more spaces to accommodate students with special needs, English Language Learner students and regular education students, Kreider said.
Just more than 400 students are enrolled at Carnegie. Last school year, special education students made up about 17% of the student body. The English Language Learner population makes up about 32% of students — double from the 2022-23 year.
Jacklyn Cowan, principal at architectural firm DRAW Collective, said the renovation adds a full-service kitchen and a new media center and STEM space in the former auditorium.
Massaro Construction Management Services is overseeing the renovation.
Construction is estimated to be complete by the start of the 2027-28 school year.
“This is not only for our kids here now, but for generations to come,” said Principal Julie Franczyk.