Even gray skies and the threat of rain couldn’t dampen the excitement at Porters Point School Wednesday morning. Students, wearing colorful hard hats, eagerly joined school administrators and members of the PC Construction team for a ceremonial groundbreaking to launch the much-anticipated construction at the Colchester, Vermont, elementary school. Once completed, these enhancements will bring a modern touch to the school and provide much-needed space for its expanding student body.
“This groundbreaking marks the first visible step in fulfilling our commitment to a safe, modern and inspiring learning environment,” said Superintendent Amy Minor. “It is a testament to what happens when a community unites with purpose and pride under the belief, our town, our schools, our future.”
The project, which will be completed in phases, encompasses approximately 51,000 square feet of new additions and 13,000 square feet of renovations to the existing facility. It also involves demolishing part of the current building to make way for new surface parking. The new spaces will include new pre-K through second grade classrooms, a cafeteria and kitchen, a multipurpose gym, a library, a welcoming new entrance and lobby, administrative offices, and flexible spaces to support a variety of educational needs. The basement of the addition will house updated mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems to support the upgraded school. Infrastructure improvements will feature a new wastewater disposal system, underground stormwater infiltration chambers and an emergency generator for added resiliency.
The PC team mobilized last week and site work is currently underway to prepare for the two-story addition. Construction of the new addition is expected to continue through August 2026, with the remaining demolition and renovation work completing in time for the start of the 2027-2028 school year.
This project holds special meaning for me. Beyond my PC Construction hard hat, I am also an active member of the Colchester community, with four children currently enrolled in the Colchester School District (two of whom are pictured with me at right). These long-awaited improvements at Porters Point School are essential to elevating the student experience and meeting the dynamic needs of our growing community.
Owner: Colchester School District
General Contractor: PC Construction
Owner’s Representative: PCI Consulting
Architect: Black River Design