The open-classroom design, originating in post-WWII Britain, spread to the U.S. in the 1960s and reached Jacksonville in 1971. Eisenhower Elementary, a 40,000 square-foot building, initially had three noisy, windowless “areas” separated by makeshift walls of Rubbermaid containers and shelves.
The Jacksonville School District secured funding for a major renovation, aided by a boost from Windex® Corporation’s Windows of Opportunity documentary promoting classroom windows. The school was completely transformed with a new exterior, windows in every classroom, two classrooms per grade, additional bonus classrooms, and a special education suite.
New music, art, and resource rooms were added, along with a small cafeteria. The district also upgraded security with electrified doors, interior lockets, and a secure entrance vestibule.