Madison Reporter

The Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) is moving forward with the next stage of planning and design for two major school projects funded by the 2024 facilities referendum. The work involves Samuel Gompers Elementary School/Black Hawk Middle School and Sherman Middle School/Malcolm Shabazz City High School.

The schematic design phase for both campuses concluded this summer, establishing the building layout and program elements after significant engagement with school staff and district leaders. The projects are now in the design development phase, which will continue through the fall. This phase will focus on refining details such as materials, systems, and finishes.

“These schools represent not just bricks and mortar, but a deeper investment in the future of Madison’s students, families and communities,” said Scott Chehak, MMSD’s senior executive director of building services. “We are proud to be moving forward in close partnership with our educators, community members and design teams to deliver learning environments in line with our values and our vision.”

Plans for the new facilities include secure, adaptable learning spaces equipped with mobile technology, outdoor areas for instruction, and improved layouts to support collaboration, accessibility, and community use. Both projects are scheduled to begin construction in March 2026.

According to MMSD officials, extensive involvement from staff, students, and community members has been central to shaping the designs. Over the past six months, there have been 149 meetings totaling more than 300 hours with students, families, and school personnel. These included core team meetings, design sessions, programming discussions, and user input gatherings.

“We would not be at this point in the process without the thoughtful and consistent feedback we’ve received from those who know these schools best: the people who learn and work in them every day,” Chehak said. “Their voices have been instrumental in helping us to define the form that these projects will ultimately take.”

Further opportunities for community engagement are planned for September at both Phase 1 sites. Phase 2 will also start in September with staff input sessions at Cherokee Heights marking its beginning.

For additional information or updates about these projects visit the MMSD website.