The Carlynton School District will hold a community meeting Wednesday, April 29, to discuss a major renovation project about to begin at Carnegie Elementary School, a project officials say will modernize the building and expand learning opportunities for students while improving access for the broader community.
The meeting will start at 6 p.m. in the Carnegie Elementary auditorium.
Administrators, along with representatives from Massaro CM Services and DRAW Collective, will present details on the construction timeline, safety procedures and anticipated changes to daily routines, including student drop-off and pick-up.
Officials said the meeting is intended to ensure families and community members are prepared for the changes ahead as the project gets underway.
Construction on the project is scheduled to begin next month and continue through July 2027, marking one of the district’s most significant capital investments in recent years. The renovation is designed to upgrade classrooms, enhance safety and accessibility and create new spaces aligned with 21st-century education needs.
A centerpiece of the project is the addition of a new cafetorium at the rear of the building. The multipurpose space will function as a cafeteria, auditorium and community event center, allowing the school to host assemblies, performances and public gatherings. The addition will also include new restrooms intended to better accommodate visitors during school and community events.
Construction costs are estimated at a little over $15 million, and that figure does not include what district officials call “soft costs.” Those costs, which typically run about 20% over the overall project budget, include architectural and engineering services, construction management, permits and inspections, technology and furniture upgrades, testing and surveying, legal and financing costs and contingency allowances, according to the district’s website.
To reduce disruption and maintain a safe environment for students and staff, the work will be completed in five phases.
The first phase, set to begin next month, will focus on converting the existing auditorium into a new library space. Additional work during the summer of 2026 will include classroom and restroom renovations, window replacements in the gymnasium and site improvements such as parking and playground areas.
A longer-term phase running from June 2026 through July 2027 will involve construction of the new addition, including the cafetorium, kitchen facilities, restrooms and a redesigned gymnasium entrance.
Later phases will address lower-level renovations, creating additional classrooms and learning spaces, followed by final upgrades in summer 2027, including flooring, doors, windows, roofing and remaining site work.
District leaders said the phased approach is intended to ensure continuity of learning while construction is underway. In the event of delays, officials noted the district could consider a post-Labor Day start to the 2027–28 school year.
To keep families informed, the district plans to provide regular updates throughout the project, including construction progress, key milestones and any schedule changes, as well as notices about impacts to parking or building access.
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