Posted by: Bethany on 01/15/2008 09:23 PM
Updated by: Kim_Hamilton on 01/15/2008 10:50 PM
Expires: 01/01/2013 12:00 AM
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New Copper School Gets Citizens Talking ~ By Bethany Monk
Copperopolis, C.A....More than 40 people braved the thick fog, hovering slightly above the streets of Copperopolis, so they could attend the Copper Parent Teacher Club meeting Tuesday, January 15th. The meeting, held in the Copperopolis Elementary gymnasium, began at 6 p.m. and lasted more than two hours...
Ken Reynolds, from School Works, a Sacramento-based organization, gave a PowerPoint presentation to the audience detailing Mark Twain Union Elementary School District's demographics and new school eligibility.
The district, which comprises both Mark Twain Union Elementary (a kindergarten through 8th-grade school) and Copperopolis Elementary (K-6), have been steadily growing; both schools are facing overcrowding issues.
Copperopolis Elementary had an enrollment of 286 students in the beginning of October. According to Reynolds' enrollment projection, the school can expect three to five new students a year. The problem with that, though, is that the school is running out of room.
Reynolds said his enrollment projections are based on historic enrollment trends, anticipated contruction of new homes, and number of children born. Other factors include transfers in and out of the district and tranfers among schools.
New devolopments in the Copperopolis area such as Oak Canyon Ranch, Saddle Creek, Tuscany Hills, and others, play a role in enrollment projections, but until all those particular demographics pan out, it's hard to plan.
Prior to building a new school, which will be in the Copper Cove area, the district plans to build a new modular media center and new classrooms at Copperopolis Elementary. These modular buildings will save the district 25 to 30 percent of its estimated costs for this particular project, according to Mike Canon, who gave the audience background information related to the financial aspects of the project. The modular building are "high quality" and are mobile, he said.
"Any construction done here (at Copperopolis Elementary) will be able to move," said Philip Yoon, the district's superintendent. He praised the support of the community, Board of Supervisors, the school and several others in their efforts to get this project in motion.
Contruction dates for the projects have not yet been determined.
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