![New classroom doors planned for Discovery Elementary School by 2023-2024 school year]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1671046639/psd401net/llpandgay1uhrw7zze96/WebPostphototemplate3_2.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1671046639/psd401net/llpandgay1uhrw7zze96/WebPostphototemplate3_2.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1671046639/psd401net/llpandgay1uhrw7zze96/WebPostphototemplate3_2.png","width":800}])
The Peninsula School District (PSD) Capital Projects team is working on installing new interior doors on classrooms at Discovery Elementary School.
“Recent tragic events in our country have understandably raised awareness and fears in our community, and Discovery is the only school in the district without doors. We felt it was necessary to prioritize this project,” Assistant Superintendent John Hellwich said.
PSD Capital Projects are in the process of submitting applications for the proper permits to complete the project. Once permits are obtained, the district will start receiving bids from local contractors early in 2023.
Director of Facilities Patrick Gillespie expects the work to begin after the last day of the 2022-2023 school year, and expects to complete the installation before the 2023-2024 school year.
“The design concept for the doors is in line with the doors installed at the new elementary schools built with 2019 bond dollars,” Gillespie said.
PSD does not have a cost estimate for the project. Chief Financial Officer Ashley Murphy said the cost of the project will become clear after the permitting process is complete. The funds for this project come from the Capital Projects Fund budget and were generated by a past land sale. Because of this, no funding will be used from the general fund or affect day-to-day operations funding.
“Recent tragic events in our country have understandably raised awareness and fears in our community, and Discovery is the only school in the district without doors. We felt it was necessary to prioritize this project,” Assistant Superintendent John Hellwich.
Discovery Elementary was built in 1981 when “open concept” schools were popular, and school safety was not as big of a concern in school architectural design. Beyond security measures, interior doors on classrooms will help create better learning environments for students by decreasing outside noise.
“There are times when doors can be open for some flexible learning and a community feel, but there are times when being able to close doors is the best way to create a good classroom learning environment,” Hellwich said.
The front interior doors at Discovery Elementary are locked during the school day except at student drop-off and pick-up. Visitors must ring a camera doorbell and be allowed to enter by the front office during school hours.
Classrooms at Discovery Elementary do not have interior doors. The school was built in 1981 and was designed as an “open concept” school. Many open concept schools have been closed or renovated to include doors to create secure classrooms and better learning environments.
Some classrooms at Discovery Elementary School use curtains to reduce noise and outside light during class time.
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