Kingdom City, MO — November 22, 2024 — The North Callaway R-1 School District has accepted a bid from Coil Construction to build a new elementary school, including an addition for the early childhood Thunderbird Learning Center. This marks a significant milestone in the development of a unified campus for the North Callaway R-1 School District.
Superintendent Kenya Thompson expressed enthusiasm for the project, stating, “This new school represents our commitment to providing students with the resources they need to thrive. It’s a significant investment in improving opportunities for both students and teachers.”
The project reflects a long-term investment in the future of the North Callaway community, reducing operational costs from aging facilities to redirect funds toward competitive staff salaries, enhancing safety and security, expanding educational programs, and creating versatile spaces for district-wide use.
Teachers and administrators from Williamsburg Elementary shared their thoughts: “The new school allows our district to unify instruction, collaborate more effectively, and engage with the community for the betterment of our students. Combining our knowledge, expertise, and resources will create a learning environment like no other in our history.”
Key Features of the New School and Thunderbird Learning Center
Safety and Security: Modern safety features will enhance the security of students, teachers, and staff.
Operational Savings: The new building will significantly reduce operational costs, enabling reinvestment in competitive salaries for teachers and staff.
Community Engagement: A full-size gymnasium, expanded library, and commons spaces will provide greater opportunities for community involvement in school events.
Enhanced Academic Offerings: New programs, including 5th-grade band, as well as consolidated support services like speech therapy, physical therapy, counseling, and behavioral services, will bolster academic success.
Jess Crawford, a kindergarten teacher at Hatton-McCredie Elementary School, shared her perspective: “As an elementary teacher for 17 years, a mom of four students in our schools, and a community member, I’m passionate about this new building. It will provide teachers and students with modern resources, inspiring spaces, and opportunities for growth. The future at North Callaway is bright and full of possibilities.”
Amy Bell, a second-grade teacher at Hatton-McCredie Elementary, added: “This is a historic moment for our school! A new building means new opportunities, new challenges, and a brighter future for everyone. As a teacher, parent, and community member, I couldn’t be more excited.”
Project Overview
The project, funded through the community’s passage of Prop N in April 2024, is scheduled for completion in May 2026. Construction will be managed by Navigate Building Solutions, the District’s owner’s representative, with architectural designs by HTK.
Travis Doerhoff, Board of Education member and part of the Building Executive Team, shared his excitement: “It has been an honor to be involved in the general contractor selection process. Watching this project come to life will be incredibly rewarding, as it will strengthen and solidify our schools for years to come.”
Looking Ahead
The North Callaway School District will provide regular updates on construction progress. For more information, visit https://www.nc.k12.mo.us/o/ncsd/page/propositions-n-c. The District will invite the community to a groundbreaking ceremony once a date is set.