Early Learning Center Construction Expected to Complete by May 2026

Elizabeth City-Pasquotank Public Schools (ECPPS) is embarking on an exciting new project, transforming part of Pasquotank Elementary School into a state-of-the-art Early Childhood Learning Center. This initiative reflects the district’s commitment to meeting the needs of its youngest learners while making efficient use of its resources.

Slated for completion by May 2026, this endeavor will centralize pre-kindergarten (pre-K) education for the district, streamlining operations and fostering a more cohesive early learning environment.

Revitalizing Space for Early Childhood Education

The ECPPS Board of Education has approved a plan that will give new life to an underutilized portion of Pasquotank Elementary School, which is closing its doors after the 2023-24 school year. This transformation is a response to a significant decline in student enrollment—1,000 fewer students over the past decade—making it possible to repurpose existing facilities for modern needs.

Once completed, the Early Childhood Learning Center will occupy approximately 22,000 to 25,000 square feet of the existing school building. It will house 10 to 12 pre-K classrooms, office spaces for staff, and an expanded kitchen that will enhance meal preparation and service for young learners.

Centralizing Pre-K Programs for Efficiency

Currently, ECPPS’s pre-K program is scattered across 10 classrooms at Sheep-Harney Elementary. By consolidating these services into a single location, the district aims to streamline operations, improve staff collaboration, and provide a more unified and focused early education experience for students and families.

The decision to create a centralized early learning facility not only aligns with best practices in early education but also optimizes resource management—a critical factor given the challenges posed by declining enrollment numbers.

The Role of Oakley Collier Architects

Oakley Collier Architects, a firm with extensive experience in educational facility design, has been awarded this project by the ECPPS Board of Education. Unanimously approved on February 24, 2025, for a lump sum of $141,800, their proposal covers a comprehensive scope of architectural and engineering services, ensuring the project meets both functional and aesthetic goals.

Phased Approach to Ensure Success

The project will unfold in two distinct phases:

• Phase 1: Preliminary Design and Budgeting – This stage will focus on developing initial designs and cost assessments, laying the foundation for the project’s success.
• Phase 2: Bidding and Construction – This phase will involve soliciting and securing contractor bids, followed by the construction and renovation work necessary to bring the design to life.

Construction is scheduled to begin by September 15, 2025, following a carefully planned bidding process in August. This phased approach helps ensure the project remains on track, within budget, and aligned with district needs.

Funding the Vision

The Early Childhood Learning Center is being funded through a mix of local resources. Of the $2.63 million in capital reserve funds recently approved by the Pasquotank Board of Commissioners, $1.70 million will be allocated for this transformative project.

This financial commitment underscores the community’s support for early education and its long-term benefits for local families.

Attention to Timelines and Compliance

Given the complexities of school construction and renovation, the project timeline has been designed to account for key milestones, including state-level reviews and necessary approvals. The goal is to have the new center fully outfitted and operational by May 2026, ready to welcome its first group of eager pre-K students.

A New Chapter for Pasquotank Elementary

The closure of Pasquotank Elementary School marks the end of an era, but this project promises a new beginning. Transforming part of the aging facility into an Early Childhood Learning Center not only ensures its continued utility but also revitalizes the space with a modern purpose: nurturing the district’s youngest learners and setting them up for academic success.

Looking Ahead

The creation of the Early Childhood Learning Center represents a forward-looking step for Elizabeth City-Pasquotank Public Schools.

It emphasizes the importance of investing in foundational education. By centralizing pre-K programs and upgrading facilities to meet contemporary standards, the district is poised to make a lasting impact on child development, educational outcomes, and the broader community.

As construction gets underway in September 2025, there’s much anticipation for what promises to be a game-changer for early education in the district.

Stay tuned for updates as this exciting project unfolds!

 
Here is the source article for this story: Architect: Early learning center will be done in mid-May 2026