By Lindsay Doty
The Plainfield Community School Corporation has officially started construction on its new elementary school. Guilford Elementary, 6440 S. C.R. 600 E., will be the fifth elementary school for the growing district.
District leaders and community members will gather for a groundbreaking ceremony today to celebrate.
The school will be located off Moon Road, just south of Hadley Road, often referred to as 600 South.
The Guilford name was selected by the students and the community and is a nod to history. Guilford was the first settled township in Hendricks County.
The project is expected to cost around $50 million. District leaders say Plainfield’s growing tax base will continue to help offset the impact of construction projects.
The four existing elementary schools are at capacity and Guilford Elementary is expected to balance that growth.
Colleen Perry, who has served as assistant principal at Clarks Creek Elementary, has been named principal of the new school.
“It’s not often that a leader and staff can work together to develop a school culture. I’m excited and honored by this opportunity,” Perry said.
The school is expected to be open for the 2021-2022 academic year.
The district plans to transfer some teachers and hire others. The school will include a public playground, auditorium and outdoor facilities. Students at Guilford will still use the Imagination Lab located at Clarks Creek.
The programs offered at Guilford Elementary School will be the same as those offered at Brentwood, Central, Clarks Creek and Van Buren.
