JCPS breaks ground on new elementary school in West Louisville

LOUISVILLE, Ky. —

Investing in the future of West Louisville. The Jefferson County Public Schools district is working to make sure students who have the least in their homes have the most resources in their classrooms.

On Monday, the district broke ground on a new state-of-the-art elementary school that will soon be available for hundreds of students in the Russell and California neighborhoods. It’ll mark the first time in more than 20 years that a new elementary school will be built in West Louisville. Foster Traditional Academy was the last one, it was built in 2000.

"These are actions that dreams are made of," said Mayor Greg Fischer (D). "These are things where we said, well maybe someday this is going to happen. Well, that day is now, and that day is under the leadership of JCPS."

On Monday, joined by elected officials, city and community leaders, the district took the first step to make the $28 million, nearly 80,000 square foot project a reality, announcing construction has begun.

The facility will be connected to the YMCA on West Broadway and is expected to hold about 650 kids in its 28 classrooms. Leaders believe, when the structure is built, the students will be able to learn in facilities that are clean, serviceable, modern, innovative and cutting edge.

"Research is clear about the impact of facilities on children learning," said superintendent Dr. Marty Pollio. "We have under-invested in facilities in JCPS. It is time we change that, and I just think this is a symbolic step to say we are on that way."

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