New Berlin School Officials Want Expansion

New Berlin School Superintendent Valerie Carr says theyve seen so much growth in their district that they need a multi-million dollar addition. School leaders say the kids need this for a better learning environment. New Berlin Elementary School doesnt really look like its bursting at the seems. But if you step inside, the superintendent says its a different story. Carr says, "In the last 2 years weve seen over 10% growth in our district. And we are running out of space." The overcrowding has really pushed school officials creativity to new levels. "We are maxed out on space. As you can see right now the media center right here is being used for several different things, including library, recess, reading classes. We definitely need a new school," says teacher Renee Crews. The superintendent says the overcrowding has gotten so bad that they once had to use a hallway as a classroom. Thats not what its used for anymore, now its more of a teachers work area where they store lots of supplies-- still not what its really supposed to be used for. The proposed expansion would add 25 more classrooms. Since New Berlin schools get students from Berlin, Curran, Loami and even the west side of Springfield, school officials say expansion is necessary. Carr says, "The district has a commitment to low class sizes at the elementary. We keep all elementary classes 5th grade and below 20." Carr says right now the lack of classrooms is not affecting the education kids get. But if the population continues to grow and the school cant grow with it, it may be a different story. Voters will decide on April 17th. If there are enough "yes" votes, the superintendent hopes the new classrooms could be ready for the 2009 school year.