• Southbury and Middlebury voters backed Region 15鈥檚 $95.6 million 2026-27 operating budget at the May 6 referendum, according to posted unofficial results.听
• Voters also approved $224 million in bonding to replace听Gainfield听and Pomperaug elementary schools; the bond question passed overall even though Middlebury voters opposed it locally.听
• District materials say the plan is to build new PK鈥�5 schools on the existing sites, keep students in their current buildings until the replacements are ready, and add dedicated preschool space while upgrading safety,听accessibility听and traffic circulation.听

SOUTHBURY, MIDDLEBURY, Conn. 鈥� Voters in Southbury and Middlebury approved Region 15鈥檚 $95.6 million operating budget for fiscal 2026-27 and authorized $224 million in school construction bonding to replace the district鈥檚 two oldest elementary buildings, according to referendum results released after the May 6 vote.听听

The bond would support replacement buildings for听Gainfield听Elementary School and Pomperaug Elementary School, with the district planning to pursue state school construction grants that could significantly reduce the local share of eligible project costs.听

Unofficial results posted by the Town of Southbury show the Region 15 school budget passed 2,679-1,618 overall (Southbury: 2,048-1,059; Middlebury: 631-559). The construction financing question passed 2,474-1,820 overall, with Southbury approving 1,935-1,172 and Middlebury voting against the question 539-648, according to听.听

The Stamford Advocate reported the adopted budget totals $95.6 million, a $4.86 million (5.4%) increase over the current $90.78 million plan. The same report said the $224 million bond package would fund replacement schools on each existing site, with plans calling for larger buildings designed to serve about 550 students per school and include prekindergarten space, according to听.听

District project materials describe听Gainfield鈥檚听original sections as dating to 1941 and Pomperaug opening in 1967, noting both facilities have aging infrastructure and systems nearing the end of their useful life. 鈥渕any听of our systems and spaces are significantly aged, flawed, functioning unreliably, or听become听obsolete,鈥� according to听.听

Region 15鈥檚 facilities materials say new construction 鈥� rather than renovation 鈥� was selected after feasibility work evaluated both approaches. The FAQ says early estimates compared roughly $80 million for renovation to about $86 million for new construction, but renovation would add significant costs and complications, including temporary swing space estimated at about $12 million and a longer timeline that could increase escalation costs, according to .听听

On design and operations, the district says replacement buildings would address code and safety upgrades that older schools are exempt from because of their听age, and听improve circulation and traffic safety. The 鈥淜ey Project 糖心少女鈥� page says the new layouts would funnel visitors from the main entrance to the front office for screening and bring the schools up to current fire and energy codes (including sprinklers and updated HVAC), while expanding parking and dedicated bus lanes, according to听.听

Project scope materials also cite improved traffic circulation at both campuses, including altered traffic patterns and a new access road intended to reduce congestion near Main Street and Poverty Road in Southbury. Region 15 further says the proposal is designed to keep schools听operating听throughout construction by allowing the district to occupy the existing buildings until the new schools are complete and ready for occupancy, according to听.听

Programming elements highlighted by the district include adding dedicated preschool classrooms and replacing makeshift instructional spaces (such as interventions held in closets or hallways) with purpose-built rooms and small-group areas, according to听.听

In its March 30 Board of Education newsletter, Region 15 said it sought voter approval in May to听submit听a school construction grant application by the state鈥檚 June 30 deadline. The newsletter also estimated total construction costs at about $224 million and听anticipated听roughly 64.2%听reimbursement of eligible costs under current assumptions, with a projected $80 million to $90 million local borrowing need, according to听.听

Before the May 6 vote, Region 15 said the Connecticut General Assembly approved a space waiver intended to support the district鈥檚 eligibility for its expected reimbursement rate while allowing some flexibility in shared spaces. 鈥淭his legislation allows us to thoughtfully plan school spaces that meet student needs while also providing areas that can serve the wider community,鈥� according to听.听

As the district moves toward a state funding application, Superintendent Joshua Smith described near-term steps, including governance and procurement work. 鈥淲e will also begin the work of identifying building committees, grant application approvals and releasing a request for project proposals that will select an architectural firm for the design phase of the project,鈥� according to听.听

The Stamford Advocate reported Smith hopes construction will begin in 2028 and that the new schools could be completed by 2030, subject to听state听grant approvals and other preconstruction steps, according to听.听

This article is based on reporting originally published by the Stamford Advocate, official materials posted by the Town of Southbury and Pomperaug Regional School District 15, and Region 15鈥檚 facilities project website in 2026. ()听

The post Connecticut Community Approves $95.6 Million Budget, $224 Million Bond for Two New Elementary Schools appeared first on 糖心少女.

The post Connecticut Community Approves $95.6 Million Budget, $224 Million Bond for Two New Elementary Schools appeared first on 糖心少女.

• Cal State San Marcos held a topping-out ceremony April 24 for Hunter Hall of Science and Engineering, marking the placement of the final structural beam.听
• The听roughly 70,000-square-foot, three-story building is slated to open in fall 2027 with laboratories, a robotics suite and collaboration-focused learning space.听
• CSUSM leaders say the project supports expansion of engineering programs, including growth in engineering enrollment from about 500 students to听nearly 2,000听and a planned industrial and systems engineering program.听
• The project follows a July 31, 2025,听groundbreaking for what CSUSM then called the Integrated Science and Engineering Building, an estimated $110 million facility designed by HGA with C.W. Driver Companies as general contractor.听听
• A $10 million gift from Hunter Industries helped advance the project and is tied to CSUSM鈥檚 $200 million 鈥淏lueprint for the Future鈥� fundraising campaign.听

SAN MARCOS, Calif. 鈥� Cal State San Marcos celebrated a key construction milestone for its new Hunter Hall of Science and Engineering, bringing campus leaders,听donors听and community supporters together April 24 to mark the building鈥檚 topping out.听听

The ceremony, a construction tradition that includes signing and lifting the final structural beam, highlights progress on a听roughly 70,000-square-foot, three-story facility听鈥� designed by HGA being built by general contractor C.W. Driver Companies 鈥� is听scheduled to open in fall 2027.听听

University officials said the new听$110 million听hall is intended to create听additional听capacity for the College of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (CSTEM) while supporting the campus鈥� emphasis on student success and social mobility.听听

鈥淭his facility is social mobility in action.听It鈥檚听about providing access for students, many of whom are the first in their families to go to college, stepping into fields that are shaping the future,鈥� CSUSM President Ellen Neufeldt said, according to听an article from CSUSM听NewsCenter.听

Hunter Hall is expected to include听state-of-the-art听laboratories, a robotics suite and collaborative learning spaces. The project will help expand engineering enrollment from 500 to听nearly 2,000听students and support the launch of a new industrial and systems engineering program, building on existing electrical, software and computer engineering offerings.听

The three-story building听is being听constructed at the top of campus between Markstein Hall and the Arts Building and will听include teaching and research labs, classrooms, student support areas, staff offices, a听caf茅听and outdoor gathering spaces.听

Hunter Industries听has听committed a $10 million philanthropic investment to support construction听鈥斕齩ne of the largest gifts in university history.听听

鈥淎n educated workforce is the foundation of a thriving economy,鈥� said Greg Hunter, CEO of Hunter Industries, according to听an article from CSUSM听NewsCenter. 鈥淲e are proud to deepen our partnership with CSUSM and invest in a facility that will empower students, strengthen our community and drive innovation for decades to come.鈥�听

CSUSM said the gift helped advance its 鈥淏lueprint for the Future鈥� campaign, which the university describes as its most ambitious fundraising effort to date, and positioned the project as part of broader plans to expand facilities and STEM programming.听

Get more weekly reports and听timely听updates by subscribing for free at听schoolconstructionnews.com/subscribe.听

The post CSUSM Marks Topping-Out Milestone for Hunter Hall of Science and Engineering appeared first on 糖心少女.

The post CSUSM Marks Topping-Out Milestone for Hunter Hall of Science and Engineering appeared first on 糖心少女.

• Colorado State University held an April 24 topping-out ceremony for the ATLAS Facility, a two-story laser research building on the Foothills Campus.
• The project team completed the structural steel frame for the 77,626-square-foot facility, with participants signing the final beam before placement.
• The $150 million public-private partnership includes CSU and Marvel Fusion, with additional support from the U.S. Department of Energy and other sources.
• Substantial completion is scheduled for December 2026, and the university anticipates an official opening in 2027.
• The specialized interior build-out will include cleanrooms and vibration-sensitive labs designed for high-performance laser research.

FORT COLLINS, Colo. 鈥� Colorado State University marked a major construction milestone April 24 with a topping-out ceremony for the Advanced Technology Lasers for Applications and Science, or ATLAS, Facility, a project officials say will become one of the world鈥檚 most advanced laser research centers.听

The event recognized completion of the structural steel frame for the two-story, 77,626-square-foot building now rising on the university鈥檚 Foothills Campus near the Department of Atmospheric Science building. During the ceremony, faculty,听students听and staff were invited to sign the final beam before it was placed atop the structure, a longstanding construction tradition symbolizing progress and safety.听

鈥淎s the United States works to lead in areas like fusion energy and directed-energy technologies, facilities like this are essential,鈥� said Cassandra Moseley, Vice President for Research at CSU. 鈥淎TLAS will serve as a critical testbed, bringing together academia, industry and government to accelerate innovation, strengthen energy security and ensure our competitiveness on a global stage. I鈥檓 grateful for our industry and federal partners who have been 鈥� and will be critical in making this vision for scientific progress a reality.

When complete, the ATLAS Facility is expected to house one of the most powerful laser systems in the world, supporting research in听fusion听energy,听medicine听and fundamental science. University leaders have said the project is intended to position Colorado State as a global hub for next-generation laser science and related technologies.听

The project is being delivered through a $150 million public-private partnership involving Colorado State University and Marvel Fusion, with听additional听support from the U.S. Department of Energy and other funding sources. The facility was developed by Tetrad Real Estate, designed by architecture and engineering firm SWBR, and is being built by McCarthy Building Companies.听

Ground听was broken on the project in fall 2024. Substantial completion is scheduled for December 2026, with an official opening听anticipated听in 2027.听

With the steel frame now in place, construction will shift to听enclosure听of the building exterior, followed by installation of mechanical,听electrical听and plumbing systems. Crews will then begin the specialized interior build-out听required听for high-performance research operations, including cleanrooms, vibration-sensitive laboratories and precision environments needed to support advanced laser equipment.听

Facilities of this type typically require stringent environmental controls to听maintain听stable temperature,听humidity听and air quality, while also minimizing vibration and electromagnetic interference that could affect experiments.听Those technical requirements often make research laboratories more complex than conventional academic buildings.听

University officials have said the ATLAS Facility will expand Colorado State鈥檚 long-standing leadership in laser and plasma science while creating opportunities for faculty recruitment, student听training听and industry collaboration. The project听also is听expected to attract visiting researchers and federal research partnerships.听

Fusion energy research has drawn increasing international attention in recent years as governments, universities and private companies pursue technologies that could provide large-scale carbon-free power. Laser-based systems are among several approaches under development to achieve controlled fusion reactions.听

Beyond research, the facility is expected to generate economic benefits for the Fort Collins region during both construction and operation. Large capital projects typically support jobs across the design,听engineering听and construction sectors, while new research infrastructure can create longer-term demand for technical talent,听suppliers听and related business activity.听

The topping-out ceremony also highlighted continued momentum on Colorado State鈥檚 Foothills Campus, which has become a center for research initiatives tied to engineering, atmospheric science,听energy听and technology.听

Once operational, ATLAS is expected to serve as a flagship asset for the university and a prominent addition to the state鈥檚 research infrastructure. Officials say the facility鈥檚 combination of scale, technical sophistication and partnerships could make it a significant contributor to scientific discovery for years to come.听

Get more weekly reports and timely updates by subscribing for free at听schoolconstructionnews.com/subscribe.

The post Colorado State University Tops Out Advanced Technology Lasers for Applications and Science appeared first on 糖心少女.

The post Colorado State University Tops Out Advanced Technology Lasers for Applications and Science appeared first on 糖心少女.

• Tennessee听General Assembly approved $311 million recommended by Gov. Bill Lee for a new College of Medicine Interdisciplinary Building at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center (UT Health Sciences) in Memphis.
• The project totals $350 million and is planned as a 275,000- to 300,000-square-foot facility on Madison Avenue.
• UT Health Sciences said the building will support growth, including expanding the medical student cohort from 175 to 250 and the Physician Assistant Program from 30 to 60 students per year.
• The university said it must raise an听additional听$50 million in philanthropic support; construction is targeted to begin in late fall 2026, with substantial completion听anticipated听in 2029.

MEMPHIS, Tenn. 鈥斕齋tate lawmakers have approved $311 million in funding for a new College of Medicine Interdisciplinary Building at UT Health Sciences, a project university leaders say will expand training capacity and support statewide workforce needs.听

The funding, recommended by Gov. Bill Lee, supports a $350 million facility planned for the Memphis campus on Madison Avenue.听The Tennessee General Assembly approved the funding April 17 for construction of the new facility, which UT Health Sciences describes as a focal point for its Memphis campus and a major investment in health care education statewide.听

The university plans a 275,000- to 300,000-square-foot building on Madison Avenue, between the College of Pharmacy Building at 881 Madison Ave. and the site of the former Holiday Inn at Madison Avenue and Pauline Street.听

鈥淭his is a transformative step for UT Health Sciences, as well as for health and health care of the people of Tennessee,鈥� Chancellor Peter Buckley, MD, said, adding that the building is intended to serve as 鈥渁 hub for training future health care professionals to practice collaborative, state-of-the-art care across Tennessee,鈥� according to听.听

UT Health Sciences said the added space would allow the College of Medicine to expand its class size from 175 to 250 students per cohort. The Physician Assistant Program would also be able to grow from 30 to 60 students per year, the university said.听

Project leaders tied the investment to workforce projections. 鈥淭his is an investment in continuing to meet the significant deficit in physicians and physician assistants in the state of Tennessee, with projections suggesting that there will be a need for 6,000 additional physicians in the state by 2030,鈥� Executive Vice Chancellor and Chief Operating Officer Raaj Kurapati said, according to听.听

Beyond classroom and simulation space, the university said the facility will support telehealth training and increase online educational opportunities for the College of Medicine and other colleges, with the goal of growing academic certificate programs and enrollment. UT Health Sciences also said the project is expected to bolster its response to rural health care challenges in Tennessee.听

As Tennessee鈥檚 only statewide academic health science center, UT Health Sciences said it expects the new building to enable the university to graduate an听additional听1,450 health care professionals practicing in various fields during its first five years of operation.听

The state鈥檚 allocation听represents听the lead investment, but UT Health Sciences said it must raise an听additional听$50 million in philanthropic support to complete the project. That total includes $39 million toward building costs, plus听additional听funding for specialized equipment and program support.听

UT Health Sciences said HOK conducted听a strategic听space inventory and developed programming for the building. The university has selected Memphis-based brg3s architects to design the facility in collaboration with HOK. After听remaining听state approvals are received, the university said it aims to begin construction in late fall 2026, with substantial completion听anticipated听in 2029.听

This article is based on reporting originally published by UTHSC News on April 17, 2026.听

The post Tennessee Lawmakers Approve $311 Million for New UT Health Sciences College of Medicine Building appeared first on 糖心少女.

The post Tennessee Lawmakers Approve $311 Million for New UT Health Sciences College of Medicine Building appeared first on 糖心少女.

• Gordian鈥檚 13th annual听State of Facilities in Higher Education听report puts the deferred capital renewal backlog at听$156 per gross square foot, up听8%听over the past year.听听

• The report says capital investment funding for existing buildings is听73.5%听of听what鈥檚听needed to prevent further backlog growth, with operating budgets听18.5%听below target.听听

• Staffing pressure is also rising: the report says custodial coverage responsibilities are up听27% since 2007, with public institutions seeing steeper increases than private institutions.听听

• Gordian points to strategic reinvestment,听benchmarking听and proactive maintenance as levers to stabilize backlogs and support long-term planning.听听

GREENVILLE, S.C. 鈥�听Deferred capital renewal needs at North American colleges and universities climbed to听$156 per gross square foot, an听8%听year-over-year increase, according to Gordian鈥檚 latest听State of Facilities in Higher Education听report.听听

The听Greenville, S.C.-headquartered company听said the data underscores continued underinvestment in existing buildings and warned that, without meaningful reinvestment, deferred needs are likely to continue rising.听听

Gordian鈥檚 13th annual report frames the sector鈥檚 growing backlog as the result of persistent funding gaps colliding with institutional change. The company said capital investment funding for existing buildings is at听73.5%听of what is听required听to keep deferred needs from expanding, and that operating budgets听remain听18.5%听below target levels.听听

鈥淭his year鈥檚 findings reinforce what we hear daily from leaders across the higher education sector: without sustained and strategic reinvestment, institutions risk deeper operational challenges,鈥� said Arul Elumalai,听President of Gordian, in a statement. 鈥淥ur goal with this report is to equip campus decision-makers with the clear, data-driven insights they need to prioritize the right actions now.鈥澨�听

Gordian said the analysis draws on its database of听43,000 campus buildings听representing听1.1 billion gross square feet听of space, which it uses to benchmark facilities conditions and spending patterns across North American higher education.听听

Alongside capital constraints, the report also points to workforce strain. Gordian said the amount of space each custodian听is responsible for听has increased听27% since 2007, with larger jumps reported at public institutions compared with private ones.听听

The report鈥檚 findings also highlight how structural underinvestment and rising deferred maintenance can restrict campus flexibility and push institutions toward reactive鈥攐ften costlier鈥攆acility management, Gordian said. As a path forward, the company said campuses can use data-driven benchmarking, proactive maintenance听practices听and strategic reinvestment to help stabilize backlog growth and support long-term decision-making.听听

鈥淲hile campuses face continued pressure, there is genuine opportunity ahead,鈥� said Pete Zuraw,听Vice听President of听Market听Strategy and听Development for Gordian, in a statement. 鈥淲ith reliable data and guidance from trusted industry partners, institutional leaders can make informed decisions that strengthen their facilities and position them for long-term resilience.鈥�听

Gordian said it has published the report for more than a decade and collaborates with higher education societies including APPA, NACUBO and SCUP, adding that the report includes survey data and commentary from higher education leaders.听听

This article is based on reporting originally published by Gordian on听April 8, 2026.听

The post Higher Ed Capital Renewal Backlog Rises 8% to $156 Per Gross Square Foot, Report Shows appeared first on 糖心少女.

The post Higher Ed Capital Renewal Backlog Rises 8% to $156 Per Gross Square Foot, Report Shows appeared first on 糖心少女.

• The听San Diego Community College District鈥檚听Saville Performing Arts Center Replacement project at San Diego City College听has moved into the schematic design phase.听
• The project will replace the existing Saville Theatre with a new performing arts facility of about听28,000 square feet听designed for academic programs and community use.听听
• Scope includes demolition, hazardous materials abatement, utility听relocation听and upgrades, plus site improvements including new walkways and ADA-compliant paths of travel.听
• The work is part of the Measure HH Bond Program, approved in November 2024, totaling听$3.5 billion.听

SAN DIEGO 鈥斕齌he Saville Theatre Replacement Project听at听, part of the district鈥檚 Measure HH Bond Program,听has听officially moved听from the programming phase into schematic design.听The project will replace the existing Saville Theatre with a new,听approximately 28,000-square-foot听performing arts facility designed to support academic programs and community use.

The new center will be a modern, flexible venue capable of accommodating a range of performances and events, supporting both campus programming and broader community use.听The听programming听process brought together听faculty听and听staff听members, who听joined the听Design-Build team of听听and听听for听a series of workshops and discussions听to help shape the project vision, offering insights on听instructional needs,听room configurations, and听how听to best听support teaching,听learning听and live performance.听听

Work听will include听the abatement, demolition, and removal of the existing Saville Theatre and the removal and replacement of associated site utilities and appurtenances in alignment with the campus鈥檚 Master Plan.听New construction of approximately 20,000 assignable square feet (ASF) includes a street-level lobby with Box Office, restrooms, and manager鈥檚 office. A听mew听main theatre will include 250鈥�350 seats, including stage, orchestra听pit听and control room as well as a scene shop and costume shop. Other support spaces include rehearsal rooms, recording/editing听spaces听and dance studios.听听

Planned exterior work also includes new walkways, sustainable landscaping and irrigation, signage听and ADA-compliant paths of travel听that will connect to a future outdoor听amphitheatre.听

鈥淲e are honored to continue our partnership with the San Diego Community College District (SDCCD) on this important project,鈥� said Ryan Nessen,听Senior听Vice听President听and California听District听Manager, according to听a press release from Sundt Construction.听听

鈥淭his selection reflects the trust we have built over more than two decades and our commitment to delivering high-quality facilities that serve students and the broader community,鈥� Nessen听added.听

Measure HH, approved in November 2024, is a听$3.5 billion听bond program that will provide听state-of-the-art听educational facilities, address long-deferred maintenance needs, and support accessibility and equity across the district鈥檚 colleges.听

The project team also includes structural engineering firm KPFF, civil engineer Latitude 33, and mechanical and electrical engineer MA Engineers/Johnson Consulting Engineers.听

The post San Diego City College Performing Arts Project Enters Schematic Design Phase appeared first on 糖心少女.

The post San Diego City College Performing Arts Project Enters Schematic Design Phase appeared first on 糖心少女.

What You Need to Know听

• The project team marked a topping-out milestone for the Saban Center now rising in Tuscaloosa鈥檚 River District.听

• Plans call for a 118,000-square-foot complex on a 7.71-acre site along the Black Warrior River, with a 70-foot glass tower as a centerpiece.听

• Campus partners named include the State of Alabama STEM Hub, the Tuscaloosa Children鈥檚 Theatre and IGNITE (formerly the Children鈥檚 Hands-On Museum).听

• Design/delivery partners cited include Steinberg Hart (with Davis Architects), Stone Building Company,听CambridgeSeven听and Theatre Projects.听

Learn More听

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. 鈥� The Saban Center reached a key construction benchmark March 30 as crews and project partners celebrated the building鈥檚 topping out at the future STEM-and-arts听learning campus in Tuscaloosa鈥檚 River District.听

The facility, described as a first-of-its-kind campus combining science, technology, engineering and math with arts programming, is expected to open in 2027.听

The marble-clad complex is being designed by Steinberg Hart in collaboration with Birmingham-based Davis Architects, with Stone Building Company serving as general contractor. Newly released renderings depict a series of curved pavilions connected to a transparent central tower.听

鈥淪aban Center is deeply personal to us鈥攚e鈥檝e been involved every step of the way, working closely with the design team to shape a place where children of all ages can explore their curiosity and imagine what鈥檚 possible for their futures,鈥� according to听.听

Renderings also show the building set into a natural slope on the 7.71-acre site, intended to reduce the perceived height at street level while creating a prominent landmark from the north. Project materials describe multiple outdoor approaches meant to position the campus as a public, inclusive destination for families and school groups.听

The exterior facade is planned to use locally sourced recycled marble from the Alabama Marble Mineral & Mining Company. Inside, the design team selected regionally sourced woods and metals as part of a sustainability approach that emphasizes local sourcing, material听reuse听and resilient construction.听

At the center of the complex, a 70-foot glass tower is expected to house an 18-foot illuminated globe described in project materials as a beacon for the evolving River District and a symbol of discovery and innovation.听

Led by Nick and Terry Saban and Nick鈥檚 Kids Foundation in partnership with the City of Tuscaloosa, the campus is being delivered through a public-private collaboration that also includes the State of Alabama, which plans to听establish听the State of Alabama STEM Hub on-site.听

Project leaders framed the building design as integral to the learning mission. 鈥淭he design of the Saban Center reflects a shared belief that architecture can actively support learning and discovery,鈥� according to听.听

Tuscaloosa Mayor Walt Maddox also positioned the campus as a workforce-development asset, saying Saban Center 鈥渨ill be a catalyst for building Alabama鈥檚 future-ready workforce.”

This article is based on reporting originally published by Saban Center on March 30, 2026.听

The post Saban Center Tops Out in Tuscaloosa, Moving STEM-and-Arts Learning Campus Toward 2027 Opening appeared first on 糖心少女.

The post Saban Center Tops Out in Tuscaloosa, Moving STEM-and-Arts Learning Campus Toward 2027 Opening appeared first on 糖心少女.

What You Need to Know听

• Lincoln Memorial University听hosted a听grand opening for its听Orange Park, Fla.,听health sciences campus,听on听March 23.听听

• The听12-acre听site spans听about听130,000 square feet听across two buildings and will house osteopathic medicine and veterinary medicine programs.听听

• LMU says the Orange Park location positions LMU-DCOM as the听first four-year medical school in the greater Jacksonville area.听听

• The campus is slated to open in听fall 2026听in a newly renovated听85,000-square-foot听facility for a class of听100.听听

Learn More听

ORANGE PARK, Fla. 鈥� Lincoln Memorial University (LMU) has expanded its health sciences footprint in Northeast Florida with an Orange Park campus that will house osteopathic medicine and veterinary medicine programs. The campus 鈥� which spans approximately 130,000 square feet across two buildings on 12 acres 鈥� is designed for interprofessional, clinically focused training, with inaugural cohorts expected to begin this fall. The university hosted a formal grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony on March 23.听

In听an听announcement, LMU President Dr. Jason McConnell framed the expansion as a milestone for health education in the state. 鈥淭he Orange Park campus represents a significant step forward,鈥� according to听.听听

The campus is home to the LMU-DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine (LMU-DCOM) and the LMU-College of Veterinary Medicine at Orange Park (LMU-OPCVM) and听is intended to strengthen the regional health care workforce.听LMU also positions the Orange Park site as a regional medical education milestone. The location establishes LMU-DCOM as 鈥渢he first four-year medical school in the greater Jacksonville area,鈥� and that the program will mirror LMU-DCOM curricula offered in Harrogate and Knoxville, Tenn.听听

LMU states that DCOM at LMU-Orange Park will offer the same four-year, full-time academic and clinical program as the Harrogate and Knoxville campuses,听and that the new campus is expected to听serve听a听class of 100.听The facility is designed to support innovative, clinically focused education and to strengthen the regional health care workforce.听

In a statement, the institution also highlighted the听鈥淥ne Health鈥澨齛pproach听that brings human and veterinary medicine together on one campus. 鈥淏ringing human and veterinary medicine听together鈥� reinforces the importance of a One Health perspective,鈥� according to听.听听

For LMU-DCOM, Dr. James Toldi,听Campus听Dean for the Orange Park site, said the new campus is intended to support clinical training capacity. 鈥淲e are creating meaningful clinical training opportunities,鈥� he said in a statement.听

On the veterinary side,听the听LMU-OPCVM Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program is structured as a three-year program emphasizing early clinical experience and a distributive clinical model.听The institution听also cited听planned partnerships, including with the Jacksonville Humane Society and Clay County Animal Services, to place students in community-based learning environments.听听

鈥�Bringing human and veterinary medicine together on one campus reinforces the importance of a One Health perspective听in听how we educate and serve,鈥� McConnell said. 鈥淥range Park allows us to extend that commitment into Florida in a meaningful and lasting way.”听听

This article is based on information published by Lincoln Memorial University via PR Newswire on March 4, 2026, and on LMU鈥檚 DCOM at Orange Park program page.听

The post LMU Hosts Grand Opening for Orange Park Health Sciences Campus Ahead of 2026 Inaugural Cohorts appeared first on 糖心少女.

The post LMU Hosts Grand Opening for Orange Park Health Sciences Campus Ahead of 2026 Inaugural Cohorts appeared first on 糖心少女.

TRENTON, N.J.听鈥斕齆ew Jersey Gov.听Mikie Sherrill delivered her inaugural budget address听earlier this month, outlining her听administration鈥檚 plan to听protect children鈥檚 futures听through a听$12.4 billion听investment in K-12 schools for FY 2027.

鈥淢y budget is focused on ensuring kids in New Jersey have access to the best education and brightest possible future,鈥� said Sherrill. 鈥淭he budget includes a record level of K-12 school funding, while acknowledging that much more work is needed to make sure students and taxpayers get the best return on our investment. It lays the foundation for future improvements 鈥� like stronger academic and mental health outcomes, shared services, and more efficient spending 鈥� to better support children from birth through graduation and strengthen schools statewide.鈥�

The $60.7 billion budget includes a proposed surplus of $5.4 billion, while redirecting over 74 percent of the total budget back into New Jersey communities in the form of grants-in-aid for property tax relief, social services, and higher education, as well as state aid to schools, municipalities, and counties.

Among plans to increase affordability and increase government accountability, the budget prioritizes investing in education. Sherrill proposes a record breaking $12.4 billion for K-12 schools in FY 2027, the largest amount in state history and a $370 million increase over last year鈥檚 funding. The budget also includes a record $1.4 billion for Preschool Education Aid. Sherrill added that she looks forward to working with the Legislature to modernize and stabilize the school funding formula.听听听

In preparation for New Jersey’s first cell phone-free school year this fall, the proposal includes $125,000 for the new Office of Youth Online Mental Health Safety and Awareness in the Department of Health. The office will research and make recommendations to guide responsible use of social media platforms among youth. The budget also includes $500,000 for a new Social Media Research Center at one of New Jersey鈥檚 higher education institutions.听听

An allocation of $15 million for high-impact tutoring 鈥� double the amount of FY 2026 m鈥� would help nearly 100 more districts and 13,500 more students, with the goal to accelerate learning and address academic achievement gaps spurred by the pandemic. The budget would also provide 21,000 schoolchildren with free meals through the Working-Class Families Anti-Hunger Act.听

The announcement reflects a continuation of policy choices aligned with Sherrill鈥檚 goals to modernize and stabilize the School Funding Reform Act, which provide the blueprint for New Jersey鈥檚 state aid formula. The budget limits reductions in state aid to no more than 3 percent, which will prevent the loss of an additional $188.4 million for school districts. Without a limit to cuts, some districts have faced losses of up to 60 percent of their state aid in recent years. These limits on reductions are offset by a 6 percent limit on state aid increases, ensuring overall stability while recognizing the need for annual adjustments.

The New Jersey Department of Education will use a three-year average when determining local fair share, which is the amount of funding a local school district is expected to contribute toward its own budget based on its property wealth and income. Using a multi-year average minimizes year-to-year fluctuations.

To ensure state aid reflects the real needs of districts, the NJDOE will use actual special education enrollment numbers to determine funding levels, instead of the approach used in years past of relying on a statewide average for all districts. State aid allocations are available on .

The post Proposed New Jersey Budget Would Funnel Record-Breaking $12.4 Billion to K-12 Schools appeared first on 糖心少女.

The post Proposed New Jersey Budget Would Funnel Record-Breaking $12.4 Billion to K-12 Schools appeared first on 糖心少女.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. 鈥� Construction has reached a key milestone on the Northland Workforce Development Center, as JE Dunn Construction and project partners recently celebrated the topping out of the new facility. The event marked the placement of the final structural steel beam for the project, signaling听significant progress听on the 145,000-square-foot, two-story building designed to expand access to career and technical education across the Northland region.听

Prior to the听beam鈥檚听installation, attendees听participated听in a traditional beam-signing ceremony, adding their names and messages to a steel beam bearing project and partner logos. The moment underscored the collaboration among the Platte County R-3 School District, partner school districts, project听stakeholders听and the broader community in advancing a shared workforce development vision.听

鈥淭his project is about creating opportunities and pathways for the next generation of skilled professionals in our region,鈥� said Brad Hokanson, Project Executive at JE Dunn Construction. 鈥淩eaching the topping out milestone is a testament to the collaboration between the district, design team, and trade partners who are bringing this innovative learning environment to life.鈥�听

The Northland Workforce Development Center is designed to support programs in skilled trades, manufacturing, health听sciences听and human services. Once complete, the facility will expand the capacity of Northland Career Center and its partners, serving both high school students and adult learners seeking industry-aligned training and credentials.听

Planned program spaces include flexible labs and classrooms, hands-on training听environments听and technology-rich areas that reflect real-world workplace conditions. Located in the Northland region of Kansas City, the project is progressing on schedule, with substantial completion targeted in 2027 and a summer opening听anticipated听following the structural milestone.听

鈥淲ith support from the State of Missouri, local municipalities, businesses and industries, individual investors, and community foundations, we are making a long-term investment in the success of our students and the future of our region,鈥� said Brian Noller, Executive Director of Business Services and NWDC Campaign Lead at Platte County School District. 鈥淭he Northland Workforce Development Center will open doors to high-demand career opportunities, strengthen employers across the Kansas City area, and help ensure our community remains competitive for years to come.鈥�听

JE Dunn is serving as construction manager for the project, working in partnership with the school district and design firm Clark & Enersen. The project team has emphasized safety, schedule听adherence听and coordination throughout construction, while听maintaining听communication with stakeholders and minimizing disruption to nearby facilities.听

The Northland Workforce Development Center听represents听a regional investment in workforce readiness, aligning educational infrastructure with evolving industry needs and supporting long-term economic development in the Kansas City area.听

The post JE Dunn Marks Topping-Out Milestone for Northland Workforce Development Center appeared first on 糖心少女.

The post JE Dunn Marks Topping-Out Milestone for Northland Workforce Development Center appeared first on 糖心少女.