Groundbreaking ceremony to be held for future Spangdahlem AB school

The Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA)- Europe, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Europe district, Spangdahlem Air Base and local government and construction officials are scheduled to hold a groundbreaking ceremony at the future site of the new Spangdahlem Elementary School on Oct.11, 2023.

The ceremony, hosted by the current Spangdahlem Elementary School administration, will feature remarks from DoDEA, USACE and Spangdahlem Air Base leaders, as well as German construction contractor PBG Hochbau GmbH & Co KG.

Construction was awarded in March 2023 and is currently scheduled to be completed in May 2027. The 21st-century school will serve preschool through fifth grade and is designed for a standard population of approximately 670 students. Spangdahlem Elementary School costs approximately $74.9 million to build. The school has ample space with a total square footage of 140,000, transforming the traditional school to a global-classroom concept.

The goal of DoDEA's 21st-century school program is to transform DoDEA classrooms into spaces that employ technology in ways that improve teaching and learning. These schools leverage a neighborhood concept that encompasses a central hub of learning studios, a teacher collaboration area, small group rooms and one-to-one learning rooms. Moveable walls are used for maximizing flexible space; its adaptability will accommodate future changes as programs evolve and grow.

In addition to supporting the 21st-century teaching and learning model, the future school will incorporate sustainability and energy-saving concepts. These features include extensive use of natural light and energy-efficient lighting systems; window glazing to allow natural light in the building and outdoor views; efficient interior and exterior lighting systems, pumps and fans that result in annual energy cost saving when compared to a standard design; and low-flow plumbing that is estimated to save thousands of gallons of water per year.

For any questions pertaining to DoDEA Europe please contact the Public Affairs Office at +49-0611-143-545-1518.