Were other sites considered? If so, why was the location on Wren Avenue chosen?

The campus that includes Wren Hollow Elementary and Southwest Middle schools has been a preferred location for several years. This location is central to where we have the greatest concentration of unserved families. It also has wooded areas and other natural features that support our vision for the new center to provide students with outdoor learning opportunities. 

That said, Parkway staff did consider other district property, as well as look for property on the market. 

Here are a few reasons the following district locations were not selected: 

• Oak Brook Elementary: On this site, a new center and a road would  be partially in a floodplain, adding considerable expense and regulatory layers to the project. A facility here would also use up the only greenspace this school has without providing for outdoor learning classrooms we envision for Early Childhood students. 

• South Middle School: This site is too far from the area we want to serve. Building on the front end of the property would put young students in close proximity to a busy highway, which is a safety risk since children at this age tend to wander. The lack of trees at this location doesn’t lend itself to the outdoor vision we have for the center. 

• Sorrento Springs Elementary: This location is positioned well in terms of serving families. However, restrictive traffic flow through the subdivision leading to this campus is a serious concern, as well as the limited space available at this site for new construction. 

Where can we go to find a record of the detailed discussion regarding the ECC location decision?

These discussions took place among Parkway’s professional staff and contractors. Formal minutes are not typcially taken during these discussions. Information about other locations within the vicinity that were not selected can be found on this website. 

If for any reason this site is not approved for construction, which location(s) would be your first, second and third alternatives?

There are no second and third alternatives at this time. 

When did Parkway and Manchester City start discussing this proposed location? 

The official communication between Parkway and Manchester began on March 14, 2024 with the submission of Parkway’s application for a site use permit.

Where is the data projections that support the need for the years beyond 2026? 

Projections can only be made based on births. Therefore, we did not have projections in 2021 for years beyond 2026 because those children had not been born. Historically, there has been more demand than supply for Parkway’s early childhood programs. Through Project Parkway and other community forums, our community prioritized the construction of a new center and provided the funding to build one in the South area, which has a shortage of preschool facilities. 

Will 63021 students and families be given admission preference? If not, what difference does it make where the ECC is built?

We are committed to building this additional center in a location that is closest to families who are most likey to use it. In addition to the south area having the greatest concentration of unmet need, classrooms at four south elementary schools will be moved to the new center to better serve children and allow for teacher collaboration. We do not place residency restrictions or priority based on where a family lives with the school district.  

On Parkway’s website it refers to “Data and research from a 2021-22 market analysis and demographic study”. In other words, was there research or data used from 2022 that was not identified by Parkway? 

The market and demographic study conducted by Avant is a 2021 study. A report titled, “Parkway Early Childhood Demographic Study 2021-2022,” provides a summary of findings from the Early Learning Steering Committee, the Avant study, focus group research used by administration and the Board of Education to inform discussions.  

Was this plan discussed with officials at Manchester prior to the location decision being made? If yes, with whom and when? If no, why not? 

Parkway is following Manchester’s process that requires a site approval permit before building on school district property. Information about the potential use of this campus was shared publicly dating back to 2021 through media, during public Board of Education meetings, in community forums, and in other school district meetings prior to surveying work and soil tests needed to confirm the location. 

The bond issue we supported to fund this project did not specify the location, despite the fact that the study used for location rationale was done in 2021. Since Parkway identified where they wanted to build the new ECC based on the demographics they cite in the 2021 Avant research, why did they omit the location they were going to propose from the bond issue in 2022?

It is standard practice to wait until a bond passes before spending money on the engineering and professional services needed to confirm a site location. Parkway had not yet conducted the soil tests or studies needed to conclude that the field was suitable in 2022. During the campaign, Parkway made it clear that the south area was the focus, and the Wren Avenue location was a potential site, but including the location on the ballot would have been premature and irresponsible. 

Exactly how many open ECC spots will this project provide and how many will be set aside for the area that is negatively impacted, Manchester? 

Up to 304 children would be served through Preschool, Kids Morning Out and Early Childhood Special Education. Of these openings, 144 would be new preschool openings and 30 new Kids Morning Out openings. Parkway believes that when children benefit, so do their families and the community, and that the center will be an asset to Manchester. There is only positive impact. Parkway provides equal opportunity for any eligible family interested in enrolling in its programs. 

Please provide a detailed count of the total number of parking spots and exactly how you arrived at that number. 

The current plan calls for 184 spaces, but is subject to change. This allows for: 

• 65 Early Childhood staff

• 40 Teaching, Learning and Accountability (TLA) staff

• 25 for visitors on meeting days/professional development

• 40 in two wrap around lanes for temporary parking arrival and dismissal 

• 14 long term parking for Early Childhool families/visitors (screening, home visits, IEP, etc.)

Why weren’t the many, many locations throughout the district seriously considered?

The needs are in the south area. 

Why were only the principals of Wren and Southwest Middle consulted about green space loss?

The project will transform an underutilized field into an exciting facility that will benefit more children. Those who were consulted include but aren’t limited to principals, engineers, architects, Parkway’s facilities and finance teams, the superintendent, Board of Education and other district leaders.

Do you really believe a principal would oppose something Parkway has committed to?

Principals regularly share their candid opinions regarding district decisions. 

Why weren’t parents, teachers and surrounding neighbors consulted regarding traffic and safety?

A traffic engineer consulted with school staff and neighbors when conducting the traffic impact study, which is being used to develop plans to improve both traffic and safety. 

How many total square feet of permeable surfaces will be replaced by concrete and asphalt?

This will be determined by MSD once they have a chance to review our submittal and comment back to us. 

What is the rationale for excluding students, parents, teachers and mental health experts?

To the contrary, students, parents, teachers and mental health experts will be using the new Early Childhood Center regularly.

This property is not for sale. The Archdiocese of St. Louis would need to put this site on the market for Parkway to consider it. 





 

Is Parkway concerned about the additional traffic this will bring to Wren Avenue?

CBB Traffic Engineers conducted a traffic impact study to document traffic conditions during drop-off and pick-up times, consider how the new center may impact traffic flow and queuing on adjacent public roads, and determine if further improvements are needed to provide safe and efficient traffic flow. Information from that study will help us stagger start and end times for programs at the new Early Learning Center so we don’t add additional traffic during peak traffic times.

We've seen more staff outside directing traffic during dropoff and pickup along Wren Avenue. Can we expect this every day now and will even more staff be added for this once the ECC is completed? 

It is up to leadership at each school, as well as the safety resource officer, to determine when and if someone is needed to direct traffic.

Where is the MoDOT study for the South Middle location that Parkway previously referred to as a reason for denial?

A formal traffic study was not conducted at South Middle. We inquired through our architect about potential costs to address traffic, and based on their knowledge, there was a significant cost, estimated around $1 million, to reconfigure, move, etc., traffic signals to accommodate traffic at the intersection. We did not pursue this further because this location is not desirable for the program and what Early Childhood wants to provide.

What are the traffic projections Parkway has based their plans on for the new ECC at this location? Where can we get that information?

The traffic impact study is available on the Parkway website. It was also provided to those who left contact information at the March 26 meeting. We will be using results from the study to develop plans to address traffic and safety.

 Why hasn’t the traffic study data been released? And why would you do a traffic study after the location decision was made instead of before? 

The traffic study data has been released. Parkway is following standard processes and procedures.

Has the Director of Transportation from Parkway been involved in this project proposal? If No, why not? And why isn’t the Director of transportation at this Parkway information session given the existing and acknowledged traffic and safety issues?

The transportation director oversees school bus routes, drivers, and bus service. He is involved when bus routes must be added. 

What are Southwest Middle School’s plans for PE once the field is no longer available to them?

PE teachers at Southwest Middle School use the field on occasion but use the blacktop area more often. Weather also makes the field unusable. The field is not accessible for all students. Students who use wheelchairs, for example, cannot use it, whereas the blacktop can be used by all. Our blacktop area is also easier to monitor. The blacktop area will continue to be used after the new center is built. Any activities that PE utilizes the field for can also be done on the fields at South High School.

Will this take away green space from the neighborhood?

Our goal is to enhance the green space by adding a fully accessible playground, two large outdoor learning areas, a nature trail and pond restoration. A community garden is being discussed as well as opportunities for quality outdoor learning partnerships among early childhood, elementary and middle school students. Our neighbors will be welcome to use this revitalized green space after school hours. 

How will this impact outdoor time for elementary and middle school students?

Wren Hollow and Southwest Middle students occasionally use the current field, but both schools have other outdoor spaces they use more. The current field cannot be accessed by students in wheelchairs. Southwest Middle School students use the blacktop for recess since it allows students to bounce balls, is easier for staff to monitor and is fully accessible. Students at Southwest will have access to field space at South High, and will spend no less time outdoors than they do now. Students at Wren will continue to use another field between their school and Sulphur Springs Road.

Again, this project will take an open field and revitalize it into usable green space for students and the community.

What is your position on performing a survey in the surrounding areas of Manchester to get the public’s position on using this field for an Early Childhood Center?

When Parkway surveys the community, we include all of the community, and not just one part of the district. Parkway is fortunate to have fields and green space at all of our campuses. The potential exists to eventually add more field space on the Wren Avenue campus by clearing wooded areas if the two schools later determine it’s needed by either Wren Hollow Elementary or Southwest Middle School. 

Since it seems clear the new ECC project will be constructed at the expense of SW Middle and Wren’s current useable greenspace, how will what’s left of the greenspace of the middle school and elementary compare to other district schools in terms of recreational space on campus? 

This project is not at anyone's expense and will enhance un underutilized field to serve more children. Principals at both schools have expressed enthusiasm about plans to transform the field into a site that expands access to early childhood education and also improves learning opportunities for their own students. The trails and ponds will be greatly improved and used by young children as well as students at Wren and Southwest Middle. The ponds will be stocked with fish, providing students with an opportunity they don’t have at any other school in Parkway. Wooded areas on the site could be cleared to create additional field space if either school were to express the need. Students at Southwest Middle will continue to use fields at South High for some PE units. Students at Wren will continue to have access to their playground and the field between the school and Sulphur Springs. 

Where can we find the discussion of recreational space equity for the other locations you considered?

Discussions around the most suitable site took place among Parkway’s professional staff, administrators and contractors.  Formal meeting notes were not taken based on anyone’s knowledge.

Please provide specific numbers regarding the “considerable expense” noted at Oak Brook and how that was compared with the expense necessary to widen Wren Avenue, make the project flood proof at the proposed location, and make the SW middle school students trip (specifically the long, steep hill) to South High for PE classes ADA compliant.  

At Oak Brook, property lines from adjacent property are in close proximity to the existing drive area that would need to be widened to access the back of the property. Developing the infrastructure needed to create the traffic flow pattern to access the back of the property would conflict with the property lines. It would also force us to enter an area that has been identified as having flooding potential. Additionally, building at Oak Brook would eliminate all outdoor space currently used by students at that school and would not provide for the outdoor learning opportunities Early Childhood wants to provide younger students. It's premature to provide cost estimates to implement traffic improvements on Wren at this time. 

In response to why another grade school location was rejected as the preferred site, Parkway previously indicated that it is not in the business of taking recreational greenspace from grade schools. Why then is this proposal ok?

It’s important to remember that much of the outdoor space associated with the new Early Childhood Center is only occaisionally used. It will be improved and will provide two other schools with nature trails, restored ponds and gardens. Students at Wren Hollow and Southwest Middle School will continue to get outdoor time and field time. Both will continue to have access to fields. Wren Hollow has a playground and a field on the other side of the school that is used much more frequently than the field.

For a district that has tried to prioritize mental health in recent months and years, how is it that the negative effects of taking away this essential space not been fully considered?

Increasing time outside in nature positively impacts mental health.  This project will create more opportunities for Parkway students from Wren Hollow, Early Childhood, Southwest Middle and South High to enjoy the pond, nature trails, outdoor classrooms and an ADA naturescape.

The SW Middle School plans that were filed at STL County Government Center showed 2 playgrounds. The blacktop playground on the western side of SWM, which is where the trash dumpster is located & the grassy area where the proposed ECC is to be located. We were told the grassy area is not accessible by special needs children.

The grassy area is not accessible for many students with special needs. 

Why has the field not been improved to meet ADA standards since 1995 when this building was built?  

As we build new facilities they become ADA compliant. We are excited to be able to do that with this new school and playground.

What information has been provided to the community about this project?

At multiple board meetings and throughout the bond planning process with the community, we have publicly discussed building a new facility to better meet the demands for early childhood education.

A new Early Childhood Center was a theme that emerged from Project Parkway meetings in 2021 and then was discussed multiple times at Board of Education meetings as bond projects were considered in 2022. For more than a decade, 250-500 children each year have been on a waitlist for Parkway’s preschool and early childhood programs due to lack of space. In 2021-22, Parkway commissioned an early childhood demographic study to determine whether the demand for our preschool and early childhood programs warranted a new facility. As part of that demographic study, a survey was sent to 18,000 Parkway households. This study pinpointed the South area as the greatest area of need for early learning services. All of this information is publicly available.

During the 2022 bond campaign, a new Early Childhood Center was a key component. In forums and media interviews, Parkway officials discussed the need, the plan and this campus as a preferred location.

In December, once we determined that the empty field between Wren Hollow and Southwest Middle School was the most cost-effective location, we held a meeting with nearby Canary Estates residents to share newly drafted plans and answer specific questions.  

Another community meeting was held on March 26 to provide an update.

Why weren't all the people who will be negatively impacted spoken to, or at the very least notified, in a timely manner?

We don’t believe anyone will be negatively impacted. When a community invests in children, there are only positives. An additional Early Childhood Center will provide more young learners with a high-quality preschool experience, enhance an underused site, and provide students at two schools and the community with unique spaces for outdoor learning. 

Why was this initiative kept from the majority of the community?

Parkway's intent to build an additional Early Childhood Center was widely publicized. For at least three years, expanding early childhood space was discussed at Board of Education meetings, Project Parkway meetings, in community forums, with the media, and in bond campaign literature. Building a new early childhood center was a major feature of Prop S, which was approved by more than 47,000 Parkway voters. 

Why was the March 26 community meeting just “an information session” and not a discussion or dialog? 

The meeting on March 26 was designed to provide information for ALL residents, parents and community members, as well as gather feedback to guide Parkway administration and the Board of Education with future decisions. 

When is the next meeting dedicated to this proposed ECC development scheduled for? Will there be another meeting with Parkway and the public after the proposed plan is available for review so we are given sufficient time to ask our questions and have them respectfully addressed?

There is no additional meeting planned at this time. Parkway will continue to update the ECC South page on its website when and if plans change. The public may continue to ask questions and voice opinions during the citizens comment period during our Board of Education meetings. Questions may also be sumbited online and will be answered as soon as possible. 

Does MoDOT dictate what Parkway can do?

MoDOT and other government agencies have regulations and requirements that Parkway must follow. 

Is it typical for Parkway to decide and create a proposal of this size and scope without input and discussion from the effected city’s officials?

Whenever Parkway has a construction project, no matter how big or small, the district respects and follows the process as laid out by the municipality and county. The process allows for discussion and input as part of the permitting process. 

What happens if Parkway wants to amend the project scope after the project begins in order to add the additional parking it will need?

Amended projects go to the Board of Education for approval. During bond implementation and construction, there typically are a number of changes that require approval of the board.

If a fire, tornado, active shooter or other disaster should occur, how do you plan on using two small access points simultaneously for kids to escape in a timely manner and also have emergency vehicles access the buildings?

First responders have training and experience navigating traffic and other obstructions. Parkway leaders meet regularly with fire and police chiefs in the area and discuss concerns, and can certainly raise this to see whether first responders have recommendations. We are exploring the recommended improvements put forth in the traffic impact study to improve safety and will consult with first responders to determine if additional changes are needed. Safety plans are developed and practiced at every school in Parkway and will be developed for the new center as well. 

Who will pay for the damages caused by the runoff when the new water mitigation proposals don’t work?

We expect water mitigation to work. If there are any watershed issues related to this development, Parkway would have to address them within the compliance regulations as set forth by the Metropolitan Sewer District (MSD). Again, with the restoration of the two ponds and a number of other measures that are part of the plan, expect runoff to improve as a result of the project.  

The following themes were heard in response to this question.

• Communication: Conflicting information and lack of transparency.

• Traffic study: Concerns about traffic studies and traffic impact on surrounding neighborhoods.

• Green space: Use and preservation of green space, particularly for outdoor learning.

• Suitability of the site: Issues related to the suitability and maintenance of the proposed site, including flood plains and potential hazards like ponds.

• Need for early childhood: Questions about the need for early childhood education and the capacity to accommodate more students.

• Community involvement and consultation in the decision-making process.

• Safety: Safety concerns, including emergency response during peak traffic times.

• Current use of field space: Conflicting reports on the current use of facilities like fields and green spaces.

• Financial considerations and the overall cost of the project.

• Impact on existing schools and preschools in the area, including staffing and enrollment.

• Process: Process for permits, amendments, and future meetings for community engagement.

• Location: Concerns about the location's suitability for different age groups, including the proximity of young children to potential hazards.

• Construction: The impact of construction on the surrounding area, including traffic and noise.

• Questions about future plans and proposals, such as tuition increases and student demographics.

• Need for more information: A need for further information and clarification on various aspects of the project.

Themes that received the most support (from a group activity) were: 

• Traffic impact and traffic study:

  • • Concerns about the reliability of traffic studies (scope, length, area studied) and traffic impact on surrounding neighborhoods.

• Conflicting perceptions about the current use of green space

  • • Community perception vs. principal and teacher reports of current field use

The following themes were heard in response to this question.

• Outdoor learning and environmental spaces: Many comments express excitement and support for including outdoor classrooms, nature trails, playgrounds, and green spaces in the plan for the early childhood center (ECC).

• Community involvement and partnerships: The idea that the ECC will be shared with the community and partnerships with other schools and organizations like Wren and Southwest is appreciated.

• Improved services and facilities: Respondents appreciate the improvements to undeveloped spaces, reduced waitlists, and the collaboration between schools to provide better services.

• Accessible and inclusive design: There are mentions of ADA-compliant playgrounds, accessibility for all students, and consideration for varied drop-off times to accommodate families.

• Support for ECC and early childhood education: Many comments express support for a new ECC, highlighting the need for more early childhood spaces and classrooms and the importance of high-quality education for young children.

• Environmental considerations: There are positive remarks about the environmental thought put into the building process, including water runoff plans and the restoration of natural spaces like ponds.

• Excitement for opportunities: Several comments express excitement for the opportunities that the new ECC will provide for students, including cross-curricular activities and nature-focused learning.

Themes that received the most support (from a group activity) were: 

• Like the idea of green space renovations and outdoor learning that benefits all schools and the community

  • Pond renovation and nature trail could benefit Southwest, Wren and the neighboring community. 

  • Support outdoor learning and naturescapes as a focus for early childhood

The following themes were heard in response to this question.

• Traffic concerns: Many comments express concerns about traffic studies, traffic congestion, safety for pedestrians and students, emergency vehicle access, and the impact of increased traffic on neighborhoods and property values.

• Environmental impact: There are concerns about the loss of green space, including natural areas like ponds and recreational fields, as well as the impact on water runoff and stormwater management.

• Transparency and communication: Respondents mention a lack of transparency in plans, a desire for more detailed information and communication from the school district, and questions about the decision-making process.

• Accessibility and safety: Several comments raise concerns about accessibility for students with disabilities, safety measures for traffic and emergencies, and the maintenance of new facilities and outdoor spaces.

• Community impact: There are mentions of the potential effects on nearby neighborhoods, including disruptions from construction traffic, changes to the neighborhood feel, and concerns about the closure of other preschools and childcare facilities.

• Utilization of existing resources: Some comments question the need for a new building when existing facilities may not be fully utilized or adequately staffed, and suggest alternatives such as utilizing existing spaces or partnering with other schools.

• Specific site considerations: Concerns are raised about specific features of the proposed site, such as the placement of the building, the allocation of parking spaces, the presence of ponds and nature trails, and the impact on neighboring schools and communities.

Themes that received the most support (from a group activity) were: 

• Traffic and Safety:

  • Safety of student walkers: Parkway changed bus transportation (more walkers) and is now considering adding more traffic. 

  • A crossing guard is needed.

  • Concern for emergency vehicle access to the area.

  • One-way access in and out of the area is a concern.

  • Traffic and vehicle flow are mentioned as reasons not to consider South Middle and Sorrento, but not here.

  • More comprehensive traffic study is needed than one day.

  • Seek feedback of neighbors regarding traffic impact.

  • Safety of students around the ponds.

• Serving local students:

  • The lottery system for ECC enrollment is open to all Parkway residents and not just local students. Will local families have priority registration?

• Conflicting information: Community perception and schools actual use of the current field

The following themes were heard in response to this question.

• Concerns about traffic: Many comments address the need for a comprehensive traffic study beyond the immediate area, consideration of traffic on neighboring streets like Canary, and the potential impact of increased traffic on safety and accessibility.

• Community involvement and communication: Need for more dialogue with the community, including involving students in the discussion, addressing concerns raised by residents, and ensuring transparency in decision-making.

• Site suitability and alternatives: Respondents express concerns about the suitability of the proposed site, suggesting alternatives such as retrofitting existing locations, reconsidering other sites, and exploring options with fewer schools on the property.

• Accessibility and safety: Several comments focus on issues related to accessibility for individuals with disabilities, safety concerns regarding emergency response times, and the need for adequate parking and drop-off facilities.

• Environmental considerations: Some comments address environmental concerns such as pond liability, contamination risks, and the need for measures to address stormwater runoff.

• Infrastructure improvements: There are mentions of the need for improvements to roads, sidewalks, and parking facilities, as well as questions about the allocation of resources and the timeline for implementing these improvements.

• Concerns about decision-making process: Several comments raise questions about the timing and transparency of the decision-making process, including the scheduling of meetings after decisions have been made and the involvement of stakeholders in the decision-making process.

• Utilization of existing resources: Some respondents suggest utilizing existing facilities more effectively, such as renovating existing green spaces, playgrounds, and buildings, rather than constructing new ones.

• Concerns about specific locations: There are mentions of specific concerns related to the proposed site, the impact on neighboring schools like Wren Hollow, and the need for renovations to existing facilities like Sorrento.

• Enrollment and access: Several comments raise questions about enrollment criteria, tuition costs, and access to the new center, including whether it will be open to all residents or limited to those in specific zip codes.

Themes that received the most support (from a group activity) were: 

• Consider and find other more suitable locations for early childhood center

  • South High soccer field space, Sorrento, retail locations, South Middle, Oak Brook, St. Joe’s Catholic School

• Improve Wren Hollow's current field to make an outdoor space for Wren

• Complete a first responder study