Ground work on a major expansion and renovation project for Mason Elementary, located on Colbern Road in the Lee’s Summit R-7 School District, commenced last month following the School District’s successful bond issue this past June.

Growth in the district’s Northeast quadrant in part prompted the need for more space and upgraded classrooms at the historic LSR7 elementary building, which was constructed in 1941. Mason Elementary is about 52,000 square feet, even though the district prototype for an elementary school is around 72,000 square feet, and the elementary school has operated in recent years at 110 percent capacity.

However, design plans for the building-wide renovations and East-side addition will not just create more space at an elementary school with a rich tradition of learning. The new additions will make Mason Elementary 74,278 square feet and will reimagine the way the district provides elementary education for years to come.

The building’s design, created by Hollis & Miller Architects in collaboration with district staff, will serve as a prototype for future renovations and updates at other elementary schools throughout the district. JE Dunn Construction will serve as construction manager, ensuring the project finishes by January 2022.

Plans call for infusing classrooms with flexible learning and collaborative learning areas as well as MakersSpaces. The project will also provide a new media center, administrative suite and new modern entryway on the building’s East side, as well as expanded square footage and updated safety and security features. Established “neighborhoods” within the school building will inspire collaboration between grades levels.

LSR7’s multi-project bond package was recommended by the Board of Education in Jan. 2020 following a collaborative process, including an 18-month facility-needs study, community engagement events and surveys, as well as the involvement of several district committees made up of LSR7 stakeholders.

Voters approved the Lee’s Summit R-7 School District’s $224 million no tax rate increase bond issue on the June 2, 2020 ballot with 82.2% voting in favor.

In addition to renovations and an addition at Mason Elementary, other approved bond projects include safety and security upgrades at all schools, a new fourth middle school and a major renovation at Lee’s Summit High School, among others.