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A new Hyattsville-area elementary school may not open its doors until August 2012, one year later than originally planned.

The approximately $25 million school will help alleviate overcrowding at nearby schools, including University Park, Rosa Parks and Hyattsville elementary schools.

The county didn't request money in the public school construction capital improvement plan for fiscal 2010 but did ask the state for planning approval. The state gave the project a grade-level of "B," meaning "they generally look favorably on the project, however their approval is deferred because of fiscal reasons," said Paul Taylor, the county schools director of planning and architectural services.

Overall, Prince George's requested about $100 million from the state for capital improvement projects, and the state only granted $28.2 million.

County schools' chief operating officer Lawrence Fryer said his office will know by May 2010 whether the state Board of Public Works approves the project, and then the school system can request funding for the school in the 2011 CIP budget.

Fryer projected the land would officially be acquired this summer. The site is adjacent to Nicholas Orem Middle School on Editors Park Drive and the property owners have agreed, but the closing date hasn't been set yet, Fryer said.

The County Council included money for the school's planning and engineering work in the fiscal 2009 budget.

Board of Education member Heather Iliff (Dist. 2) said she was disappointed the state didn't approve the project yet since it will help alleviate overcrowding at other schools.

"I think overall we completely understand the fiscal constraints the state is under in the current economic situation, but the children can't wait," Iliff said. "Right now, we're already overcrowded … And the area is projected for growth. There are a number of new developments in that area. It's really a matter of high density and high need for more educational facilities."

University Park Elementary is over capacity by 57 students, Rosa Parks Elementary by 18 students and Hyattsville Elementary by 102 students, according to county schools spokeswoman Lynn McCawley.

Fryer said the school system may hold community meetings in July and August to get input on the school design and academic programs.

The new elementary school will be a "green" building, Fryer said, meaning it will be regulated by the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design rating system. The school system wants the building to meet the gold standard, one of the highest ratings a building can receive for its environmentally-friendly designs. LEED certification is overseen buy the U.S. Green Building Council.

E-mail Elahe Izadi at eizadi@gazette.net.