SAN FERNANDO : Expansion Planned at Elementary School

School officials are planning a two-story classroom building to alleviate overcrowded conditions at the 1,150-student Morningside Elementary School, a project which could be under construction by fall.

Principal Vicki Montes said the proposed 14-classroom addition, to be constructed next to the existing campus, will allow the year-round school to accommodate 175 schoolchildren who are now bused elsewhere.

“We desperately need a new classroom building for the children who live in this community,” said Montes, who estimated construction could begin by October.

The school’s proposed expansion will be outlined by real estate officials from the Los Angeles Unified School District during a short presentation before the City Council on Monday.

Howard Miura, the city’s community development director, said city officials are particularly interested in learning about the building’s elevation and architectural style.

“We want to get a better feel in terms of how it’s going to blend--or if it will blend--with the existing architecture,” Miura said.

Montes said the district has purchased or is in the process of buying three properties on Morningside Court, including the former San Fernando Women’s Club building at the corner of Maclay Street. Plans call for an underground parking garage beneath the classroom building.