Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) has officially broken ground on the new Okolona Elementary School. The modern, 80,330-square-foot facility is designed to provide students with a safe, sustainable and inspiring learning environment. JCPS expects to complete construction in summer 2027, with students entering the new school in August of that year.
The $30.2 million project sits on an 11.45-acre site adjacent to Okolona Park, on the same property as the existing school. The original Okolona Elementary was built in 1972.
“The new Okolona Elementary is more than a building. It represents our commitment to future-ready learning spaces that meet the needs of our students and community,” said Principal April Hetzel. “We are excited to watch this project come to life and to welcome our students into a school designed just for them.”
The two-story building is organized around a bright, welcoming central commons, a central hub that connects students and staff to key spaces including the classroom wing, a secure outdoor courtyard, media center, cafeteria and gymnasium.
Classrooms are grouped around flexible, daylight-filled learning hubs that support collaboration, creativity and small-group instruction.
“This school is designed for the way students learn today,” said JCPS Superintendent Dr. Brian Yearwood. “It supports collaboration, safety and sustainability. We are proud to bring this kind of future-focused investment to the Okolona community.”
The new Okolona Elementary is designed with sustainable, energy-efficient systems and materials to reduce environmental impact and lower long-term operating costs. Key features include:
Geothermal heating and cooling with variable frequency drives and water source heat pumps
Demand control ventilation in high-occupancy areas such as the gym, cafeteria, media center and classrooms
All outside ventilation air is conditioned by the geothermal system with an energy recovery wheel
Interior and site lighting use energy-efficient LED fixtures
Occupancy sensors and daylight harvesting systems reduce energy usage
High-efficiency natural gas-fired water heater
Low-flow plumbing fixtures to minimize water consumption
Durable brick and metal cladding, energy-efficient windows and an energy-efficient roof
In addition, the gym is designed to serve as a storm shelter during severe weather events.
“It is an honor to be part of this exciting new chapter for our students, staff and community,” Hetzel said.