Madison school renovation projects are transformational
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Scott Girard
K-12 education reporter
Thirty months ago, Madison voters approved a historic investment in the school district.
Most of that investment came in the form of a $317 million capital referendum, with projects planned for each of the four large high schools, renovations on another building to house one of the alternative high schools and construction of a new elementary school on the city’s south side.
Those investments are beginning to pay dividends, as some renovated and new spaces at the high schools are now open to students, from music classrooms at Memorial to an updated library at La Follette. Plenty of work remains, though, with projects set to be complete in 2024.
Two of the projects, Southside Elementary School and a renovated Hoyt building to house Capital High School, are set to open this fall.
The Madison Metropolitan School District and its construction partners offered media tours of the ongoing work last week, and the Cap Times attended all six.
Renovated locker rooms, a multipurpose space and upgraded classrooms are among the projects already complete as construction continues.
Among the new features in the Madison high school is a new gym, renovated locker rooms, upgraded classroom spaces and an improved library.
Construction continues to renovate the entirety of the building and complete an addition featuring an elevator and additional bathrooms.
Music, arts and technical education students and staff are among those whose spaces have been completed as part of the referendum construction.
The building's age offers challenges and rewards as crews work through adding a new pool facility, new welcome center and renovating mechanical systems.
The new MMSD building, attached to Badger Rock Middle School, will house Madison students currently attending Frank Allis Elementary School beginning this fall.
Scott Girard
K-12 education reporter