May 2021

Page 8

FUTURE READY SCHOOLS

Ladue School District to undertake sweeping building rennovations RYAN TUNG

respectively. All three will feature

A

classrooms to account for larger student enrollment, utility updates to

news editor

t the front of Spoede Elementary School, a door stands guard. Years of pelting sunlight and thousands of curious hands have tanned its surface and weathered its once silver handle.

additions of “safe rooms” for severe weather incidents, compliance with and more. In addition to enhancing the learning environment, renovations aim to repair infrastructural issues of the rapidly aging facilities. In

glass window and its tired hinges sigh a heavy clunk when closed. Since 1949, the door has watched generations arrive as children, depart

On April 6, district residents voted to pass Proposition L, a $126 million

of the 2020-21 school year, Prop L will transform these facilities from 20th century classrooms into “Future Ready Schools.”

FACILITY NEEDS 5 additional core classrooms 20% larger classrooms 60% larger cafeteria Student commons space Dedicated SSD classrooms Expanded hallways hope to achieve a higher standard of education overall. “I did support and vote for Prop

environment. However, to avoid serious disruptions, construction will occur in phases — allowing classes

and operational aspects of the District.” Ladue Middle School, Spoede

three elementary and middle school safety improvements were important to me in order to support our

the need for expensive temporary classrooms. With these short term

the largest updates, receiving $50, $34 and $28 million renovations

p

SPOEDE ELEMENTARY E X T E R I O R

FACILITY NEEDS

NEWS

LADUE MIDDLE SCHOOL

Renovations are set to commence in the summer of 2021 and conclude in the fall of 2023. In the meantime, learning will take yet another large

improvements outlined are needed,” District Director of Facilities Mike Noonan said. “[Prop L] will result in

08

A F T E R

power restored. “When conditions like [the pipe failure] result in a disruption to school, we need to consider solutions

sweeping renovations to the four district elementary schools and Ladue

Source: Future Ready Schools

LIBRARY

Elementary lost power following a drainpipe failure over a main

end of the 2020-21 school year, its

6 additional core classrooms Updated classroom lighting Expanded hallways Additional restrooms Leaking roof replacement

B E F O R E

B E F O R E

Photos by Ginger Schulte

A F T E R

Images courtesy of Susan Downing

SPREAD DESIGN BY RYAN TUNG | KIRAN VARADACHARI


Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.
May 2021 by Ladue Publications - Issuu