ANNE BEERS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Schools are tasked with managing a student’s academic and behavioral success. However, the effects of overcrowded learning environments prevent students from performing to their highest potential. Physical school conditions are largely impacted when they’re at, or beyond, their intended capacity. Many schools that are overcrowded report less-than-adequate building conditions from poor air conditioning to safety hazards, such as air quality. Aging infrastructure and improper maintenance results in mold issues and unsafe structures that force students out of existing space. One figure finds that, “as much as $46 billion is needed for maintenance on school buildings nationwide.”

These poor environmental conditions have physical, behavioral, and educational consequences for students. Some schools report that achievement can differ as much as 11% when students learn in poor building conditions versus satisfactory environments. Teaching quality, educator’s job satisfaction, and student concentration are also often reported as major challenges in impacted environments.

Rather than allowing the lack of space to affect our students’ growth (and increasing teacher burnout by giving them a larger class size, as well as a poor work environment), schools need to look at expanding beyond their permanent building space.

Safety is always a concern when construction takes place at a school. Dangerous equipment, dust, debris, and chemicals are often present during construction projects. An often forgotten detail is how it will impact safety procedures like evacuations and shelters-in-place. On top of that, disruptions significantly increase when construction occurs during the school day. Another ongoing concern for schools is their budget. Decision makers have to ask themselves how much it costs to expand a school building. Does the benefit of doing so outweigh the risks of potentially having to cut funding in other areas to allocate funds for construction? Regardless of the various factors, educators have a duty to protect students from safety hazards, and to provide an environment that is conducive to learning.

One way that private and charter schools are addressing their lack of space is through the use of modular buildings. Investing in modular buildings such as portable classrooms helps combat a crowded learning environment beyond typical strategies which include teaching music or art in miscellaneous spaces across the school like the cafeteria, and even half-day schedules. Modular buildings offer a cost-effective solution to accommodate high enrollment rates, either on a temporary or permanent basis. Since they are built off-site, space needs can be met immediately rather than having to undergo a lengthy construction process and offer fewer disruptions. Time savings (as much as 50%!) are frequently seen when compared to traditional construction. These benefits are significantly advantageous when schools need “swing space” during renovations or when adding permanent space, as well as when schools need space to hold them over until funds are available to build additional permanent classrooms.

The elementary school’s occupancy was at it’s maximum so they were in need of additional classroom space.

They chose modular construction for the speed of delivery. In addition to more classroom space, the school also wanted overhead protection for their students and staff to protect them from the weather elements.

Wilmot provided two 24x40 modular classrooms quickly for the extra space needed for their students and staff. An aluminum canopy with custom footers was installed to connect the current campus to the new modular buildings. This provided the overhead protection the school was looking for to protect their students and staff from the weather.