Construction of $21 million Kerr Elementary on track for start of 2019 school year

Construction at the new $21 million Kerr Elementary School in the Fox Chapel Area School District continues, with the project on track to open for the first day of school on Aug. 22.

As the building takes shape along Kittanning Pike in O’Hara, district officials said the roof is installed, underground utilities are completed, the gym floor is poured and exterior masonry is done.

“We have lights,” District Coordinator of Communications Bonnie Berzonski said.

“The utilities have all been connected — a sure sign that a new school is on its way.”

Officials said the project has remained on budget.

Superintendent Gene Freeman said the 72,348-square-foot building will provide innovative features such as collaborative work spaces to inspire hands-on learning.

The current school, which was built in the 1920s and shares the same campus, doesn’t meet 21^st century learning needs, he said.

Increased open spaces will encourage teamwork and creativity, officials said.

“The teachers have had the opportunity to tour the school a few times during the past several weeks and to see their new classrooms,” Berzonski said.

Lower-level classrooms were expected to be finished by the end of May, and the upper floors should be complete by mid-August, she said.

Work will continue this summer on the front entry, gym and cafeteria, as well as the art and music classrooms.

Demolition on the current Kerr school is expected to begin on June 12, shortly after school lets out.

“Our new building is a testament to a very thoughtful and insightful educational vision that emphasizes what our students need presently to be successful learners in our world,” Principal Paul Noro said.

“But, just as importantly, it takes a progressive approach to ensure that we are meeting the needs of our students as education continues to evolve.”

Residents can get real-time looks at construction progress via to a link on the district website. Photos are refreshed every 10 minutes at app.oxblue.com/open/FoxChapelASD/Kerr.