MMSD Details Phase 1 Referendum Progress and Upcoming Phase 2 Input Sessions

The Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) continues to make steady progress on its Phase 1 facilities referendum projects, advancing planning, design and early construction work while preparing for formal groundbreakings on March 20, 2026.

Phase 1 projects include replacement of the buildings that house Sherman Middle School and Malcolm Shabazz City High School, and Samuel Gompers Elementary School and Black Hawk Middle School. Work at each site is focused on modernizing learning environments, improving safety and accessibility, and supporting long-term sustainability.

“As we move closer to construction, our focus remains on delivering high-quality facilities that reflect the needs of students, staff and the broader community,” said Scott Chehak, MMSD senior executive director of building services. “This work represents years of planning and community input, and we are excited to see these projects begin to take shape.”

Updated renderings for the Phase 1 schools are as follows:

The projects remain on time and on budget. So far, MMSD has invested more than $6.7 million in referendum-related work across the district. Spending by site includes:

• Sherman Middle School/Malcolm Shabazz City High School: $2,510,790.19
• Samuel Gompers Elementary School/Black Hawk Middle School: $2,029,780.33
• Orchard Ridge Elementary School/Akira R. Toki Middle School: $492,039.29
• Ray F. Sennett Middle School: $403,697.05
• Cherokee Heights Middle School: $358,104.89

These investments support early planning, site preparation, design development and project management as work advances across both phases of the referendum.

“Careful stewardship of taxpayer dollars is central to this work,” Chehak said. “We are committed to transparency, fiscal responsibility and making sure each project delivers lasting value for students and neighborhoods.”

As planning continues for Phase 2 projects, MMSD will host a series of public input sessions later this month to engage the community and gather feedback on proposed improvements. Families, staff and members of the public are encouraged to attend to learn more directly from the project team.

Upcoming public input sessions:

• Orchard Ridge Elementary School/Akira R. Toki Middle School
  5602 Russett Rd., Madison, WI 53711
  Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2026, from 5:30 to 7 p.m., Cafeteria
   
• Cherokee Heights Middle School
  4301 Cherokee Dr., Madison, WI 53711
  Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2026, from 5:30 to 7 p.m., Library
   
• Ray F. Sennett Middle School
  502 Pflaum Rd., Madison, WI 53716
  Thursday, Jan. 29, 2026, from 5:30 to 7 p.m., Cafeteria

Additional information about MMSD’s facilities referendum projects, including timelines and design updates, is available on the district’s website.