KLAS-TV Channel 8 News Las Vegas'Healthier Learning' Environment Planned for Old Las Vegas School

'Healthier Learning' Environment Planned for Old Las Vegas School

A local elementary school built nearly five decades ago will soon be replaced with a new facility. Architects plan to create a healthier learning environment.

Tom Williams Elementary School in North Las Vegas was built in 1957. Since then, building designers have gained more knowledge of the importance of creating a so-called healthy learning environment.

The school is about to be replaced with a brand new example of modern architecture.

Domingo Cambeiro is the principal architect with Las Vegas-based DCC Architects. He's in charge of the overall design and says the difference will be dramatic.

Cambeiro said, "The students have an environment that is pleasing to the eye. The color has a lot to do with it as well. Daylighting is one of the most important ones, and air quality. And I think it will be tracked and noticed for years to come."

"Daylighting" means they'll be adding windows to every classroom. Project manager Stephanie Hable says a study in the 1990s showed classes with windows and a view improved the learning curve.

Hable said, "They did actually show a 20-percent increase in the progress on testing on standardized math and reading skills. And it was directly related to the amount of natural daylight that came in, whether it was through skylighting, ventilation or windows."

Special features of the two-storied, 82,000-square foot replacement school include: spacious classrooms -- double-paned, energy efficient windows -- higher ceilings with skylights -- improved indoor air quality -- and enclosed corridors for security.

Tom Williams' principal, Kristie Rodeles says the school will go where the playground is now, so students won't be displaced during construction.

Principal Rodeles said, "Then once the new building is complete, all of the children will move over into the new building. Then they'll start the demolition of this section to create our field and black top for the children so that they have a place for P.E. and recess and all those things."

Mementos of the existing school will be salvaged and preserved on the new campus, including a tile mural. Construction will begin next summer.

The Clark County School District tells Eyewitness News the total cost of the replacement school, including furnishings, will be $28 million.

Send feedback to anchor Paula Frnacis at pfrancis@klastv.com