By Ian Folger
Madison Metropolitan School District
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. Phase 1 includes 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 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.
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 with students, families and school staff.
“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 define the form that these projects will ultimately take.”
Recently, the two projects earned 2025 Dane County Climate Champion Awards, receiving four-star recognition in the Building Design category. The awards highlight MMSD’s commitment to building sustainable, energy-efficient learning environments for students and staff.
For more information and project updates, visit the 2024 Facilities Referendum page of the MMSD website (madison.k12.wi.us/about/2024-referenda/2024-facilities-referendum).
