A new Elementary School has been built to replace the outdated, non-functional, and rigid elementary spaces previously housed at Lincoln (3-5) and Washington (PK-2). The unified PK-5 facility implements best-practice education design in an approximately 65,000 s.f. building, creating 15%-20% square footage efficiencies for the district.

Through the BOLD Facilities Plan, Decatur Public Schools is working to ensure student-focused learning environments with spaces that expand learning beyond traditional expectations to further engage students. To help accomplish this goal, a reimagined, new facility replaced an outdated structure which was located on the highest elevation point in Decatur, Johns Hill.

This transformational educational environment is designed to support diverse students in learning through future-focused methods. Intentional features like operable walls and flexible seating facilitate easy collaboration and project-based learning. Additionally, bilingual teams and faculty can share students without leaving the classroom area, promoting seamless support.

Understanding that early childhood students demand a different type of learning environment than their elementary school peers, the City of St. Charles School District established criteria for their new facility that was based on sensory learning, movement, imagination, and nature.

The district had two separate schools that served their small, rural student population. Both campuses needed extensive updates and lacked 21st century spaces. The new, smaller single campus school serves the district within a tighter footprint with increased 21st century program space.

Despite challenges such as rocky terrain and limited usable acreage, the district proceeded, with the new school designed to replace an aging building, which would be repurposed for early childhood education and storage.

In 2021, voters approved a $35 million dollar referendum, called, “Safe Schools, Safe Kids.” Bierbaum required building additions and interior modifications to accommodate their increasing enrollment, and enhance safety and security measures.

The district spent four years working with the community and staff to plan for an expansion and renovation with the goal of meeting the needs of growing enrollment and providing future-focused learning opportunities to students.

The new 81,500 s.f. Ellsworth Dansby Jr. Magnet School will house K8 students with environments that revolve around student-focused learning. Flexible and collaborative work spaces will be incorporated to engage students to work in small groups. 

Built in 1924, South Side Elementary is the oldest elementary facility in the Champaign School District. The original facility was designed during a time when children would walk to and from school, and aside from technological upgrades, few changes had been made to modernize the building since its original construction.

The building was designed to replace several small, aging elementary schools with one larger facility that accommodates small learning communities and future education changes through its unique modular design.

Facing the challenges of growing Pre-K programs and efforts to reorganize elementary schools, Richland County CUSD #1 found the construction of an early learning center was the answer they were searching for.