The Little Rock School District plans to open its first brand new school in more than 30 years this fall and Fox 16 got a sneak peek. The
Don R. Roberts Elementary School off Cantrell and LaMarche Road in west Little Rock can handle nearly 900 students.
Those with the district say they're on track to open in plenty of time for the first day of school August 19th. The school is more than 147,000 square feet and two stories tall filled with classrooms for students from pre-kindergarten through 5th grade. It's all brand new.
Lisa Bordman's twin boys start first grade at Roberts Elementary in the fall and they're pretty excited especially since it's only a block away.
"We can walk them to school and walk them home after school and have a safe environment because it is so close to the house," says Bordman.
Class won't be nearly as crowded as it would have been if they'd started last year and ended up at one of two packed elementary schools nearby.
"We look forward to relieving the crowding at Terry and Fulbright this year so those students can spread out," says Tiffany Hoffman with the Little Rock School District.
Large classrooms feature smart boards: combination computer, projector and dry erase boards. You'll see security cameras all around. The district also thought green during construction, using a lot of natural light, and motion detector lights that turn on and off automatically. Toilets and sinks are automatic too.
Those who live nearby will have to deal with more traffic but the district expects road improvements and a new stop light to help with traffic flow.
"If any snags come up, we're going to be prepared for them and there's not going to be anything to prevent us from having a great opening," says Hoffman.
Workers still have to finish up some electric work and move in some furniture. The district expects to move in after two to four more weeks.
Those who live in west Little Rock and want to find out if their child should attend Roberts or another school, should contact LRSD student registration at 447-2950.
