Remodel for New Hampton Before/After School Program Could Begin Soon

Remodeling to make room for a before and after school program at New Hampton Elementary School could begin later this month.

The school district is teaming up with Little Sprouts Children’s Center to establish the childcare program to be housed in what used to be the weight room when it was the Middle School. Once remodeled, it could accommodate about 55 kids, with three- and four-year-olds expected to comprise the largest group, based on the community’s need. 

Brian Carolan is with the Little Sprouts Board of Directors. He says the New Hampton area has stepped up to move the project forward.

Carolan adds that it’s taken a collaborative effort to bring all the pieces together.

The school district will contribute $100,000 for the remodeling costs, spread out over a five-year period. Little Sprouts will cover the remaining costs through grants and donations. 

Last month, the New Hampton School Board approved the lone bid for the project from Don Gardner Construction of Waterloo for about $280,000. School Superintendent Jay Jurrens says construction could begin before school is out for the summer, but closer to June 1st may be more likely..

The goal is to have the before and after school wraparound program up and running with the start of next school year this August.