The Madison Metropolitan School District announced on March 31 that construction has started on the first phase of its 2024 Facilities Referendum projects, following years of planning and community input.
The start of construction is important for students, staff, and families because it marks progress toward modernizing ten schools and improving learning environments. The district aims to provide safe, high-quality spaces for all students as part of a multi-phase effort.
Groundbreaking ceremonies took place at Sherman Middle School/Malcolm Shabazz City High School and Samuel Gompers Elementary School/Black Hawk Middle School. Students, staff, families, community leaders, and district stakeholders attended these events to celebrate the beginning of work on their schools. “We are grateful to our community for their support and partnership to make these new schools a reality,” Superintendent Joe Gothard said. “Together, we’re building modern, welcoming and inclusive learning spaces that will serve students for generations to come.”
According to the official website, the Madison Metropolitan School District Board supports student well-being through health and safety initiatives. The board also maintains 53 schools including elementary, middle, high school, and alternative programs serving more than 26,000 students in the Madison community.
Scott Chehak, senior executive director of building services at MMSD said: “Our teams are excited to see the designs become a reality. We are looking forward to watching these projects take shape and seeing the impact they will have on their respective school communities.” At each ceremony a collection of rocks painted by students with dreams for their future was displayed; these will be added into each school’s foundation. Dr. Aaron Willis, principal at Black Hawk Middle School said: “I think that’s a powerful symbol because every school is built on a strong foundation not just of concrete and steel but of student voices and dreams and the belief that anything is possible.”
The board prioritizes equity, inclusion, excellence in education according to its official website. It is led by an elected seven-member group serving all parts of Madison.
As work continues throughout this phase one project period MMSD says it will keep families staff members informed about timelines milestones or any impacts affecting operations ensuring smooth transitions during construction.
