Pat Jansen, president of the board at Desert Star Community School, has announced that construction has begun for phase three of campus development, with the school’s board of directors participating in ground-breaking with general contractor Haley Construction.
The construction project will include an administration and student support building, enhanced campus security with a gated entrance, a new classroom, a water-treatment outbuilding, an improved playground and parking and needed grading work. This project will complement a community hall and multi-purpose building completed in 2017 and a suite of middle school classrooms added to the original campus in 2012.
Desert Star Community school is a Waldorf-inspired K-8 charter school located in Cornville. This phase of campus construction and previous phases were made possible by U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development loan financing and the nonprofit Charter School Development Corporation. The water treatment facility is made possible by a grant obtained through Arizona Department of Environmental Quality.
“We have worked with eco-conscious, student-focused design at each phase of the project, which reflects the school’s values,” former board member and campus development leader Jennifer Young said. “We hope that it inspires our students.”
Desert Star, which earned an A rating for academic performance from the state of Arizona, offers an enriched curriculum with arts, drama, handwork and wood shop. Waldorf education focuses on holistic development.
“We call it ‘head, heart and hands’ curriculum,” Principal Cheryl LeBlanc said.
Jansen said that the new administration and student support building will allow for enhanced special education and support services as well as improved campus security. It will also reduce costs over time as the new building will replace a rented modular office.
“This campus development project demonstrates the school’s long-term commitment to our students, their families, our teachers and the community,” Jansen said. “Once this project is completed, the campus will be modernized, more secure and will reflect our dedication to education in the Verde Valley.”
Jansen said that the school is grateful for the support of the Cornville community and regional USDA representatives. Community donations are welcomed and will enhance the building project.
For more information about Desert Star Community School, visit desertstarschool.org.
