MMSD Advances Phase 1 Facilities Referendum Projects

The Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) has entered the next phase of planning and design for its first major capital projects funded by the 2024 facilities referendum, Samuel Gompers Elementary School/Black Hawk Middle School and Sherman Middle School/Malcolm Shabazz City High School.

The schematic design phase for both campuses wrapped this summer, defining building layout and programmatic elements based on deep engagement with school staff and district leadership. The projects have since moved into design development, which is expected to run through the fall and is where details related to materials, systems and finishes will be further refined.

“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.”

The developing designs include secure, flexible learning spaces equipped with mobile technology, outdoor learning areas, and layout improvements that promote collaboration, accessibility and community use. Both projects are on track to break ground in March 2026.

Following are updated renderings for each of the schools: 

• Samuel Gompers Elementary School
• Black Hawk Middle School
• Sherman Middle School
• Malcolm Shabazz City High School

Extensive staff, student and community engagement was critically important in helping to shape the designs. Over the past six months, the project team has held 149 meetings totaling more than 300 hours with students, families and school staff. This comprised 38 core team meetings, 46 design team sessions, 42 programming discussions, and 23 targeted 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 community engagement opportunities are scheduled to take place in September at both Phase 1 sites. Phase 2 work is set to start in September, with staff input sessions for Cherokee Heights marking the official kickoff of this next step in the process.

For more information and project updates, please visit the 2024 Facilities Referendum page of the MMSD website.