Elsmere Elementary School will temporarily close beginning July 1, 2027, for a $7 million renovation. Students and staff will relocate during construction, which is expected to continue through February break 2028. The work is part of a $60 million capital project approved by voters on February 3, 2026.
An Elsmere stakeholder committee has been established, and regular meetings will be held to discuss plans for the temporary relocation of Elsmere students and staff. All updates will be posted here and will be available throughout the project.
Meeting Updates
- October 13, 2026 (Open to the public) – PTA Meeting, Elsmere Cafeteria
- October 21, 2026: Elsmere Stakeholder Meeting at the District Office.
- November 4, 2026 (Open to the public): Board of Education meeting featuring an Elsmere update
- Additional meeting dates will be posted here
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Elsmere need to close for construction?
Elsmere, built in 1927, requires extensive renovations, including asbestos abatement before construction can begin. The district determined that completing the work in one phase, with the building empty, would be more efficient and cost-effective than renovating classrooms over three years while students attend school in the building.
How long will Elsmere be closed?
The building will close July 1, 2027, with students relocating for the 2027–28 school year. Construction is expected to continue through February break 2028. The end date was extended from December 2027 to allow contractors sufficient time to complete the work.
What happens if construction takes longer than expected?
With the building empty, contractors will have full access to the work areas and can use two shifts if needed to help keep the project on schedule.
How much will the renovation cost?
Elsmere’s portion of the districtwide, voter-approved $60 million capital project is approximately $7 million, or 11.7% of the total. Voters approved the project on February 3, 2026.
What improvements are planned?
The renovation will include:
- Full renovation of 13 classrooms
- Modernization of the Library Media Center
- Air conditioning in second-floor classrooms, the gym, the Library Media Center and the cafeteria
- Renovated bathrooms
- Replacement of the building’s boiler plant and installation of a new fire alarm system
- New doors in several areas, including the cafeteria, gym, loading dock and storage areas
- Replacement of the ADA ramp and handrails
- New stairs connecting the cafeteria to the playground
- A new fence and gate along Herrick Avenue
- The renovated classrooms will also include built-in cubbies for coats and boots. The district is preparing the classrooms so air conditioning can be added later if needed.
Where Students Will Attend School
Where will Elsmere students go during construction?
The preliminary relocation plan is as follows:
- Grades 1–5: Will attend classes in a dedicated, separate wing of Bethlehem Central Middle School (BCMS).
- Incoming kindergarten: Will be located at either Slingerlands or Eagle Elementary School. The district expects to determine those locations by the November or December Board of Education meeting.
- Connections program: Will be located at either Slingerlands or Eagle Elementary School. The district expects to determine those locations by the November or December Board of Education meeting.
Will students keep their Elsmere teachers?
Yes. All Elsmere students will keep their Elsmere teachers, and staff will move with students to support continuity during the transition.
Where will grades 1–5 be located at BCMS?
Students will use the lower back wing of BCMS, near the gardens and fields. The elementary area will be separated from the middle school (which uses the upper level of that wing) and will have a secured entrance, its own principal and a main office.
What will the BCMS wing include?
The space will include classrooms for grades 1–5, additional rooms for specials, restrooms with child-sized fixtures similar to those at Elsmere, and the current counseling suite used for reading, speech and social work services. Much of Elsmere’s child-sized furniture will move with students.
Buses will drop students off at the elementary entrance. Parent drop-off will take place near the cafeteria.
Where will kindergarten students and the Connections program attend school?
Incoming kindergarten classes and the Connections program will be located at either Slingerlands or Eagle. The district is still determining which school will host them. Both schools offer an elementary-school setting, and kindergarten classrooms have in-classroom bathrooms.
Will the two kindergarten classes stay together?
The district is seeking family feedback on whether incoming kindergarten students should remain together as an Elsmere cohort or join the kindergarten classes at their host school. No final decision has been announced.
Will kindergarten and Connections students return to Elsmere in February 2028?
That decision is still under consideration. The district is asking families whether these students should return to Elsmere after February break or remain at their host school for the rest of the school year. One option would allow students to finish the year with the teacher and classmates they already know.
The School Day and Student Activities
Will school hours change during the relocation?
No. Elementary school hours are expected to remain the same.
Will students continue to have art, music, library and physical education?
Yes. The current plan is to maintain the elementary specials schedule:
- Physical education- Twice a week
- Art- Once a week
- Music – Once a week
- Library – Once a week
The district is exploring ways to use outdoor spaces, the BCMS gym and available cafeteria space. Students in grades 4–5 who participate in band or orchestra may use BCMS music rooms or the auditorium.
Will students have recess?
Open fields are available near the elementary wing, but there is no playground equipment in that area. Nick Insognia, the district’s director of Operations and Facilities, is exploring options for recess during the relocation.
Where will students eat breakfast and lunch?
The district is considering serving meals in classrooms because the BCMS cafeteria is in use for much of the day. Other options include a covered outdoor pavilion with electricity during good weather and shared cafeteria time when space is available. Final arrangements have not been determined.
Will there be enough bathrooms for elementary students?
The elementary wing will have restrooms with toilets and sinks at heights similar to those at Elsmere. Additional restrooms are a short walk away in the older section of BCMS and could be used by older students.
Will Elsmere traditions and special events continue?
The district expects school traditions and events, including Trunk or Treat and Field Day, to continue using available spaces. Some activities may be combined with BCMS events.
Will the BCMS wing feel too confined for elementary students?
The district understands families’ concerns about students spending long days in a limited space. Ideas raised at the PTA meeting included rotating between spaces, team teaching across classes, using double classrooms with partitions, and making greater use of hallways, the pavilion and fields. The district is continuing to explore how to make the space work well for elementary students.
Transportation, Drop-Off and Child Care
Will bus rides be longer for Elsmere students in grades 1–5?
The current plan is for students to be picked up as they are now and transported to BCMS. The district expects ride times to be approximately the same, although final transportation details are still being developed.
How will kindergarten transportation work?
Kindergarten transportation has not yet been finalized. The transportation director favors keeping rides as short as possible. Separate routes may be considered, depending on driver availability and capacity.
Will the relocation affect traffic at BCMS?
Separate bus and parent drop-off locations are planned for the elementary wing. The district anticipates little impact during morning drop-off, with some additional afternoon traffic possible.
Will before- and after-school care be available?
Schools Out has applied for a license to provide before- and after-school care at BCMS. The program’s arrangements are still being finalized.
Impact on Middle School Students/Staff
How will the relocation affect BCMS students?
Middle school houses, student schedules, and class sizes will stay the same. BCMS teachers who are usually in the wing where Elsmere will be housed will share classrooms with other BCMS teachers, taking turns using a classroom for a particular subject. This arrangement works with the middle school period schedule. Middle schoolers will not use the lockers in the elementary wing.
Will Elsmere and BCMS students have opportunities to interact?
The schools will operate independently; however, the district is exploring opportunities for joint activities. The BCMS principal will help coordinate with the Elsmere PTA and staff, and BCMS counselors have suggested buddy and transition activities, particularly for students moving into fifth grade.
Visiting the Temporary Space
Will families be able to see the BCMS classrooms before the move?
Yes. A family visit to the designated BCMS wing is planned, although the date has not yet been set. The district will also share photos and a short video of the space beforehand. Families asked that an opportunity to see the space be provided as early as possible.
Who is overseeing the relocation?
Nick Insognia, the district’s director of Operations and Facilities, is helping coordinate the facilities-related planning. He has led school relocations during construction in a previous district. The district is also working with school leaders and relevant departments to plan daily operations and student services.
How Families Can Help and Stay Informed
How can families share questions, ideas and concerns?
Families can contact Superintendent Jody Monroe at jmonroe@bethlehemschools.org or any member of the Elsmere Stakeholder Committee. The committee meets regularly with district staff and shares information with the school community.
Who serves on the Elsmere Stakeholder Committee?
Andrew Baker, Principal
abaker1@bethlehemschools.org
Joanne Sericolo, Teacher
jsericolo@bethlehemschools.org
Lindsey Mooney, Teacher
lmooney@bethlehemschools.org
Kate Burmaster, Parent
mckenna.kam@gmail.com
Lisa Decker, Parent
lisamcelheny@gmail.com
Lauren Pierce, Parent
laurencpierce89@gmail.com
Why is it important to register incoming kindergarten students early?
Kindergarten registration is now open year-round, and families are encouraged to register as soon as possible. Class sections are determined based on registrations received by March 1.
Early registration helps the district plan staffing, class sizes and placements.
Families with preschool-aged children are encouraged to register via Aspen and share this information with neighbors who may have incoming kindergarten students. Anyone who needs help creating an Aspen account can email helpdesk@bethlehemschools.org
Will this FAQ be updated?
Yes. The district plans to maintain a running FAQ as decisions are finalized and additional information becomes available. Families should check the district’s Elsmere transition webpage and attend upcoming meetings for the latest updates.