MADISON, Wis.—The Madison Metropolitan School District marked a major milestone in its voter-supported 2024 facilities referendum work, hosting groundbreaking ceremonies at Sherman Middle School/Malcolm Shabazz City High School and Samuel Gompers Elementary School/Black Hawk Middle School. The projects include the construction of new buildings and demolition of existing ones at both sites.

Students will remain in the current buildings until the new schools are complete, with construction expected to continue through summer 2027.

“We are grateful to our community for their support and partnership to make these new schools a reality,” said Superintendent Joe Gothard. “These buildings represent our community’s strong commitment to the future of our students. Together, we’re building modern, welcoming and inclusive learning spaces that will serve students for generations to come.”

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 school facilities and ensure students across the district have access to safe, high-quality learning spaces.

“Our teams are excited to see the designs become a reality,” said Scott Chehak, senior executive director of building services. “We are looking forward to watching these projects take shape and seeing the impact they will have on their respective school communities.”

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.

As construction moves forward, MMSD will continue to provide regular updates to families and staff, 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.

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About the Madison Metropolitan School District

The Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) is the second-largest school district in Wisconsin, serving more than 25,000 students across 52 schools. The district’s vision is that every school will be a thriving school that prepares every student to graduate ready for college, career and community. With more than 7,000 teachers and staff, MMSD is committed to ensuring the district’s goals and core values are held at the center of its efforts, so students can learn, belong and thrive. For more information, visit mmsd.org.