Education Lab

How old is Temperance Kutner Elementary School in Clovis?

Temperance Kutner Elementary, Clovis Unified School District, after it was built in the 1950s. The office, at right, while remodeled is still in use.
Temperance Kutner Elementary, Clovis Unified School District, after it was built in the 1950s. The office, at right, while remodeled is still in use. Special to the Bee/Temperance Ku

The Education Lab is a local journalism initiative that highlights education issues critical to the advancement of the San Joaquin Valley. It is funded by donors. Learn about The Bee’s Education Lab here.

Each week, answer your education-related questions. Ever been curious about how old a certain building might be? Want to know how local teacher salaries compare to other districts? Not sure who to contact at a specific school with a question? Just ask us and we’ll find out for you!

Do you have an education question you’d like us to answer? Let us know! Contact the Ed Lab edlab@fresnobee.com.

This week’s question

Q: How old is Temperance Kutner Elementary School in Clovis?

A: This question came up after the Ed Lab published a story about local school bonds on the upcoming ballot in March. If you didn’t get a chance to read it, you can check it out here or at the link below.

But here’s a little more history for you.

Back in the 1940s, Temperance Colony and Kutner Colony school were in bad shape. The Clovis Unified School District’s 50-Year History book says both schools were “wrought with structural damage.”

So the two districts joined forces on July 1, 1949, to form the Temperance Kutner Union District.

They continued using the two old schoolhouses for a short time until the new school was built at 1448 North Armstrong Avenue.

The new school was dedicated April 20, 1950.

It included 12 classrooms and was built for $130,000, according to Clovis school officials.

As enrollment grew over the years, more classrooms were added during the 1950s and 1960s. The school bell that was used when the school first was built still hangs on the roof of TK’s old main office building.

Here’s our full report on the three largest local school bonds on the March ballot.

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