The Jennie Emery Elementary School in Coaldale was designed in close collaboration with the potential end users of the facility. Numerous teachers within the system were interviewed to secure an understanding of the user needs. The research was documented in the form of an Architectural and Functional Program, which outlined the details of each school department requirements and formed the basis for design.

The Jennie Emery School was constructed under budget at a time when other similar schools in the area at about the same time were typically constructed 20% over budget. In spite of this consideration, Jennie Emery has a greater number of amenities and features than its contemporary counterparts.