LOUISVILLE, Ky. — A week before Wilkerson Elementary was set to open, Jefferson County Public Schools learned the new building couldn’t pass inspection.

What You Need To Know

  • A new Wilkerson Elementary School will open in Louisville next month

  • A failed inspection prevented it from being ready for the first day of school earlier this month

  • Classes are set to begin Sept. 12

Friday, Louisville Metro Department of Codes and Regulations conducted another inspection and gave JCPS a temporary certificate of occupancy for the new elementary school. Wilkerson Elementary will welcome its first students next month.

“We’re excited and can’t wait to get into the new building,” said Sara Alvey, Wilkerson principal. “While the former Watson Lane school building has made a terrific temporary home for our students and staff, there’s nothing like moving into a bright, new home that will be a great space for learning.”

Right now, plans call for classes to begin Monday, Sept. 12 in the new building. Teachers and staff will be allowed in the school the week before to get their offices and classrooms ready. Currently, Wilkerson students are in the former Watson Lane Elementary School.

They built the new school on the same property as the old Wilkerson Elementary School, which was torn down in the summer of 2021. Work still needs to be done in the new school, most of it on the exterior. JCPS says the work shouldn’t affect classes. 

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