Norwalk

Portable classrooms were leased this month by the Norwalk-La Mirada School District after increased enrollment triggered the addition of five new classes at three schools this year, school officials said. The portables were brought in to accommodate the overflow while longterm solutions are studied.

New River, Johnston and Moffitt elementary schools each got one of the trailers last weekend, said Howard Rainey, administrator of business services. Two new classes were added this year at both New River and Johnston while Moffitt had to add one class.

Two portable classrooms were also placed at Waite Elementary in August to ease overcrowding there, although its enrollment had a slight decrease. “They were crowded to begin with,” Rainey added.

The district will be opening the former Walnut Street school site on Norwalk Boulevard next year to ease overcrowding caused by the increased enrollment. The district anticipates feeding students from Waite, Edmondson and Dolland elementary schools into that school, but, Rainey said.

An independent consultant with the Rand Corporation has been retained to study the overcrowding problem and suggest long-term solutions. The report is expected early next year, he said.