LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Ceilings that have seen better days and classroom dividers are inside Okolona Elementary School.
It causes high noise levels and distractions between classrooms.
It's why Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) is planning to purchase 3.2 acres of land at Okolona Park to build the new Okolona Elementary School.
April Hetzel, the principal at Okolona Elementary, said it's overdue.
"It's very difficult to know which classes are making the noise and it's really hard to do quiet activities because classes have to be quiet at the exact same time," said Hetzel.
The school was built in 1972 with no windows, and sits at the top of the JCPS replacement list.
During a public meeting, JCPS staff shared renderings of the proposed two story building worth $40 million dollars.
Hetzel described the renderings as "an environment where they can learn without distractions, windows and all of the things this school is missing."
If built, the school would have a similar concept to Echo Trail, Wilkerson and Indian Trail Elementary.
Over the next 10 years, JCPS looks to build 20 schools, and Okolona is one of them.
"What it is, is an old open concept building that doesn't really meet the modern requirements over the years; walls have been built, the HVAC is end of life," said Rob Fulk, interim chief operating officer at JCPS.
Okolona Park a prime site to build the new school; but first, it has to get approval from Metro Council, which owns the land.
"We have a great relationship with Metro Parks and Metro Council; I think Councilman Seum said it best: 'this is a win-win for both the school community and Okolona,'" Fulk said.
It's an exciting opportunity for Hetzel who has worked inside the school for more than a decade.
"I'll be able to finish it in a brand new building and all the students are going to get the building that they deserve," She said.
She just hopes Metro Council approves.
If Metro Council allows JCPS to purchase the land at Okolona Park, construction for the new school is expected to begin next year.
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