Board approves design phase for Lions Farm modular classroom village to relieve overcrowding

The board approved moving forward with the design phase to add a six-classroom modular village and a restroom building at Lions Farm Elementary School after staff described sustained overcrowding and safety concerns.

Facilities staff said Lions Farm is built for about 584 students but is currently enrolled/subscribed at 658 and projected to be between 672 and 686 at the day‑40 count. Cabinet and planning staff reviewed multiple options—including redistricting, relocating programs and reassigning prek/kindergarten slots—and concluded that purchasing new modular units and pairing that step with boundary adjustments is the most viable near-term approach. Staff said the procurement/placement process for new modulars takes about 12 to 15 months; if the district authorizes design and ordering now, the modular village could be ready in fall 2027. "The school is absolutely at its max," a district official said during discussion; another board member raised fire-code and safety concerns about instruction occurring under stairwells at the site.

The board approved the design-phase authorization unanimously and directed the facilities committee to take up boundary questions and related long-term planning so the modulars and future permanent addition fit into a broader right-sizing strategy.