MMSD Officially Breaks Ground on Phase 1 Facilities Referendum Projects

After years of planning, partnership and community input, construction is officially underway on the first phase of the Madison Metropolitan School District's 2024 Facilities Referendum projects.

This milestone moment was celebrated with groundbreaking ceremonies 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 gathered at both sites to celebrate the start of construction and the future of the schools. The Phase 1 work is part of MMSD’s multi-phase effort to modernize 10 schools and ensure students across the district have access to safe, high-quality learning spaces.

“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.”

The redesigned schools will incorporate flexible learning environments, improved accessibility features and enhanced safety measures, aligning with MMSD’s commitment to creating spaces that support both academic success and student well-being. Planning for each site has included input from staff, families and community members to ensure the final designs reflect the needs and priorities of those they serve.

“Our teams are excited to see the designs become a reality,” Scott Chehak, senior executive director of building services, said. “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 –– each individually painted by a student with their dreams and wishes for their future selves and communities –– was displayed and will be added to the foundation of each school building.

“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,” Dr. Aaron Willis, Black Hawk principal, said.

As construction moves forward, MMSD will continue to provide regular updates to families, staff and community members including timelines, milestones and any impacts to school operations, to ensure a smooth transition throughout the building process.

Learn more about the Sherman/Shabazz and Gompers/Black Hawk projects on the district’s website.