MMSD Finalizes 2024 Facilities Referendum Project Team

The Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) Board of Education has approved J.H. Findorff & Son Inc. and Vogel Bros. Building Co. as construction managers for the District’s community-supported 2024 facilities referendum projects. 

Both firms are headquartered in Madison, bring to the projects extensive K–12 experience, and have previously worked with both one another and with MMSD on prior referendums. 

“Our proposal process was quite competitive, and we feel very confident that both Findorff and Vogel Bros. are the right partners to help us realize the promise inherent to these projects,” said Scott Chehak, MMSD’s senior executive director of building services, ahead of yesterday evening’s Board meeting. “Both are local, both are familiar with our district, and both have proven track records of delivering modern educational spaces that contribute to students’ learning success.”

Enlisting the services of two construction managers will afford the collective project team a higher degree of agility as it works across multiple locations simultaneously. The maximum collective value of the construction management contracts is $18.8 million, with each firm receiving up to $9.4 million, based on high-end estimates of the fee and scope defined in the District’s request for proposals.

“Selecting the right construction managers early in the process is crucial to the success of any facilities referendum,” said Chehak. “Their expertise will be invaluable in helping us plan effectively, manage budgets responsibly, and ensure that every project is completed on time and aligns with the needs of our students and school communities."  

Construction is expected to begin in February 2026 and will follow a phased schedule until anticipated completion in October 2029. Phase-one work will comprise the replacement of Malcolm Shabazz City High School and Sherman Middle School, as well as Black Hawk Middle School and Samuel Gompers Elementary School. 

All schools will remain open as normal until the new buildings come online. The new schools are set to be built in proximity to the existing ones, in different areas of the same general sites, which will help prevent potential student displacement during construction. 

Previously, MMSD announced its selection of The Concord Group as its owner’s project manager, and OPN Architects as its architectural services provider. 

More information regarding the District’s 2024 referenda can be found on its website: https://www.madison.k12.wi.us/about/2024-referenda