Naomi Fields

The land for Kerrick Elementry School is cleared, removing trees and leveling the ground.

On Sept. 9, Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) began their estimated $30.2 million project to rebuild Kerrick Elementary School in Pleasure Ridge Park by fall 2027.

The school is planned to be a single-story, 80,330 square foot building including sustainable architecture, moveable walls to accommodate varying class sizes, spaces dedicated to the arts, areas to foster parent-staff partnerships and a layout focused on improving sightlines. JCPS is collaborating with JRA architects to complete these requests.

After the renovations are complete, the original building will be demolished.

The project arose as part of JCPS’ four-year-long initiative to modernize learning and improve school facilities across the community. These schools include W.E.B DuBois Academy, Grace James Academy, West End Middle School, Okolona Elementary School, Seneca High School, Olmsted Academy South and Westport Middle School. The project is part of a smaller portion of a 10-year-plan to build, or rebuild, over 25 schools around the district.

Shortly after the renovations began, JCPS announced a state of financial crisis at a board meeting on Sept. 16. The crisis is due to a $188 million budget deficit, and could lead to a complete lack of funds by October 2027 if not dealt with. The maximum deficit would be met at the end of the Kerrick Elementary School renovations, leaving the project unfinished.

While JCPS has discussed budget cuts with the public in light of the budget crisis, the project isn’t planned to be impacted.

“This project is already underway and will not be impacted by budget cuts. It is a key project for the district as we are working to rebuild our school buildings,” said JCPS Chief of Communications and Community Relations Officer Carolyn Callahan.

JCPS also plans to continue onto other schools in need of renovations.

“We will soon be having a groundbreaking for the new Okolona Elementary School, too,” Callahan said.

There is no announced start date for this portion of the initiative.

Gallery • 5 Photos

Naomi Fields

The playground outside of the old Kerrick Elementary School building.