Derby Planning Commission approves school’s site plan

he plan for the city’s newest school received a green light to proceed from the Derby Planning Commission.

After a review, the governing body approved Stone Creek Elementary School’s site plan at its March 21 meeting.

Stacy Christie, architect with Schaefer Johnson Cox Frey Architecture, which designed the school, was pleased with the way the design turned out. Stone Creek has an innovative approach and has two wings – one for kindergarten through second grade and one for third through fifth grade – as well as learning hubs, breakout spaces and resource classrooms, among other features allowing teachers to educate in a collaborative manner.

The school will feature natural light, flexible seating, “smart” drop-off and pickup lanes, storage, and a community room for classes for parents and staff. Security also is a major feature, Christie said, and reduces lines of sight inside. Access points are limited and there will only be one daytime access area.

There’s also a lot of flexible space, she said.

The plan is for the building itself to “stand for a long time,” but the interior may be able to be adjusted due to changing wants and demands. Walls will be able to come down, if needed, Christie said.