Early next year, Peter Hobart Elementary School will have two new classrooms, thanks to a lease-purchase agreement approved by the School Board in April 2013.

The construction began in July and is slated to be finished by the end of January. Kue Contractors won the bid to build the expansion, which cost $1.2 million, according to School Board records.

According to Peter Hobart principal Shelley Nielsen, Peter Hobart is one of the district’s two Title 1 schools, meaning it provides a bridge between low-income students and their higher-income peers.

The school currently provides free and reduced lunch to 45 percent of its population and has 100 students in the English as a Second Language (ELL) program. Nielsen said ELL students and the reading intervention program will use the extra space.

“Currently we do not have any small group space to assist students who need some extra help except to use the hallways or move to a corner inside the classroom,” she said. “The two rooms being added will allow these disciplines to have a classroom.”

Freshman Camarie Martin, a Peter Hobart graduate, said she believes St. Louis Park residents’ money will be well spent.

“Peter Hobart is a good place to use the district’s money, because they need it the most,” Martin said. “It already felt too small when I went there, and now there are even more students.”

Sophomore Adna Aideed agreed, and said she believes the students at Peter Hobart need better facilities.

“My brother graduated from Peter Hobart last year, and they really need the extra space,” she said. “The kids there deserve to go to a school with enough room.”

Although the School Board voted unanimously to approve the expansion, senior Sarah Ritter said she does not agree with their choice.

“The district should be spending money on other things, like funding programs for high school students who may be more appreciative than elementary schoolers,” Ritter said.

Regardless, Nielsen said the Peter Hobart community is thankful for the extra space.

“Our students, families and staff are all grateful for this addition,” Nielsen said.