Jody Richards Elementary School
The new Jody Richards Elementary School designed for the Ivan Downs area on Elrod Road may just be the most energy-efficient school building ever constructed, as reported by the Bowling Green Daily news. The building is over 80,000-square-foot, and is designed to accommodate up to 750 students from Natcher and Rich Pond elementary schools. Construction began July 2010 and is scheduled to open in the fall of 2012. The new school plans will make it one of the most efficient school buildings in the country.
The building’s aesthetics were designed in an effort to blend the school into the Ivan Downs neighborhood. A dark brick facade was chosen to give it a traditional look with alternating classrooms “stepped out” to break up the appearance of a large building. Stanfield said the renderings have been likened to a row of town homes, because of the careful steps to make it blend into a residential setting.
Jody Richards Elementary District Information
The new Jody Richards Elementary School is the third net zero ready school in Warren County. Richardsville and Bristow Elementary are the other schools in the district that have already been in use. Net zero means the school is able to save energy and designed for solar panels to be installed in the future.
District officials say solar panels help produce more energy than they consume which at the end of the month can generate revenue. With the money saved it goes back to teacher salaries, kids in the classroom, and improving older buildings in the district.
“It may not mean a lot to parents other than as a taxpayers, but there’s so many other health benefits. It’s really bright. There’s a lot of sunlight and lots of active day lighting, so it’s a nice atmosphere for your kids to learn in. The kitchen uses cleaner cooking strategies so there’s less grease, less fat, and it’s just healthy options for the kids,” says Joanie Hendrick with Warren County Public Schools.
Opening a new school means new redistricting. If you are a parent and you want to see the official attendance maps you can go to Natcher, Richpond and Rockfield Elementary Schools or the central office.
Jody Richards Elementary District Map
