Elementary school construction halted Published March 20, 2014 By Staff Report 52nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany -- Plans to shut down the Spangdahlem Elementary School and relocate students and staff to the Bitburg Elementary school have been delayed until the end of the 2015 school year. 52nd Fighter Wing officials announced earlier today that Spangdahlem Elementary School students will remain in their current facility for another school year due to a delay in the construction schedule. Construction was scheduled to begin this fall as part of the Spangdahlem Expansion Project, a multi-million dollar construction project geared at improving the base's infrastructure and supporting the nearly 11,000 Sabers and family members assigned here. In a letter addressed to parents, Col. David Julazadeh, 52nd FW commander, and Dr. Dell McMullen, Kaiserslautern District Schools superintendent, stated, "The primary reason for the delay is that the SES facility design fell behind schedule and will not be complete in time to start construction this fall." Because of the delay, the earliest construction can begin is March 2015; however, since this disrupts school activities, wing leadership and Department of Defense Dependent Schools officials have chosen to start facility construction after the completion of the 2014-2015 school year. The new facility, which was scheduled to be completed in time for the start of the 2017-2018 school year, would be able to support more than 850 students as opposed to the 500 students it currently holds. As of now, the completion date is unknown. "We appreciate the patience and understanding of both the parents and their children during this move," said Chi Anne McGrew, Spangdahlem Air Base school liaison officer. "No matter where they may be, our students will continue to receive a world-class education." As it becomes available, more information will be posted to this website and other social media avenues. If you have questions or concerns, feel free to contact the school liaison officer at DSN 452-6942, commercial at 0656561-6942 or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/SpangdahlemSLO.