in the post world war ii era, with the first explosion in population in the town (as the town began the transition from rural to suburban) as well as with "baby boomers" beginning their schooling, the need came about for larger and more modern school buildings. during the 1950s, new elementary schools were built in balmville, gardnertown, east coldenham, leptondale and union grove. fostertown school retained its older building, but the first of several modern additions was constructed in 1957.