• 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

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By Greg Cromer听

Public school systems across the country are entering a period of sustained enrollment decline, driven by a convergence of demographic and behavioral shifts, particularly听evident听along Colorado鈥檚 Front Range.听As explained in Part I of this article, Colorado听is projected to lose more than 15,000 children ages 0鈥�17听over the next five years, due to factors such as听persistently low birth rates, high housing costs, an aging听population听and slower immigration.听

Online programs, private schools or homeschooling offer further competition for public schools across the country, helping to accelerate enrollment losses that exceeded 10,000 students this year alone, the largest drop since COVID-19. 听

Part I of this article discussed how听declining听enrollment听across the nation听is forcing听leaders to consider听consolidation,听closures听and replacement. However, this shift is also听creating听opportunities听to modernize aging facilities and rethink how space supports evolving educational models, from flexible, data-informed facility plans听to right-sizing听school capacity through consolidation and reconfiguration. Read further recommendations here:听

Establish Shared Understanding to Align Community and System Needs听

Engaging communities in school closures or consolidation is one of the most challenging responsibilities for school boards because it sits at the intersection of personal impact and systemwide necessity. Families often focus on identity, commute听changes听and neighborhood stability, while districts must address enrollment decline, underused facilities, financial听pressure听and equity. Bridging this gap requires transparent, data-driven storytelling that connects individual decisions to broader trends while also acknowledging the real loss communities feel鈥攁n essential step in听maintaining听trust.听

These decisions also require courage from district leaders, as delays or inaction can deepen inequities and strain limited resources. The transition also offers a powerful opportunity for community renewal by reimagining school identity through a new name, mascot,听colors听or symbols, which allows architectural teams to embed that identity into the built environment and shape a unifying community asset.听

Additionally, districts are increasingly designing schools for flexibility from the outset by positioning facilities as civic assets. Through adaptable layouts and coordinated shared-use spaces like flexible commons, gyms or auditoriums, schools can better serve both students and communities year-round, maximizing public investment and long-term value. This approach positions facilities not as static assets, but as adaptable infrastructure and dynamic tools that can continue to deliver student success and community buy-in.听

Unlock听Value in听Existing听Assets听

Reframing existing school assets is a key strategy for districts facing enrollment decline and uneven听utilization, shifting underused schools from excess capacity to flexible hubs that can be repurposed to meet emerging needs. Converting space for early childhood education, expanding special education or alternative programs, co-locating community services and even exploring workforce housing to support educator recruitment and retention can make an impact. Alongside physical reuse, specialized models such as STEM, Career and Technical Education (CTE) or arts-focused programs can also re-energize underenrolled facilities by drawing students across traditional boundaries.听

Partnering with architecture and design firms can help reimagine and maximize the value of existing assets. Consider repurposing underutilized wings into collaboration zones, student听services听or community spaces. At Sheridan High School, the design team revitalized an abandoned pool building into a trades skills workshop where students could work alongside trade professionals to develop hands-on skills in carpentry, plumbing, electrical and HVAC systems.听

Districts such as Aurora Public Schools are leaning into programmatic strategies to attract and听retain听students in a competitive enrollment landscape. As choice expands and demographic pressures intensify, districts are moving beyond boundary-based enrollment to emphasize what makes each school distinct. This includes developing and branding focus-based schools built around themes, specialized听programming听or community partnerships to create a clear value proposition for families. For example, in response to shifting enrollment patterns, the Clara Brown Entrepreneurial Academy leaned into its identity rooted in entrepreneurship and innovation, using its programmatic focus to differentiate itself and re-engage families.听

Designing for听consolidation and future repurposing is essential to creating resilient school environments that attract and听retain听students. Flexibility helps future-proof facilities against demographic shifts, funding听changes听and broader disruptions, enabling districts to respond to enrollment changes without stranded assets and keeping buildings relevant and impactful over time.听

Greg Cromer is an education practice leader at听Wold听Architects and Engineers with more than 40 years of experience designing K鈥�12 learning environments. He can be reached via email at听gcromer@woldae.com.听

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

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By Greg Cromer

Public school systems across the country are entering a period of sustained enrollment decline, driven by a convergence of demographic and behavioral shifts, particularly听evident听along Colorado鈥檚 Front Range. Over the next five years, the state is projected to lose more than 15,000 children ages 0鈥�17, as persistently low birth rates, high housing costs, an aging听population听and slower immigration reduce the number of school-aged students.听

With more families considering online programs, private schools or homeschooling, public schools across the country are facing declines in student enrollment, accelerating enrollment losses that exceeded 10,000 students this year alone, the largest drop since COVID-19. According to projections from the National Center for Education Statistics, this downward trend is expected to continue nationally, placing increasing pressure on district funding, staffing and long-term planning, especially in high-poverty communities where per-pupil revenue is critical.听

Within this challenge lies a strategic inflection point: declining enrollment is forcing long-delayed conversations around consolidation,听closures听and replacement, while simultaneously creating an opportunity to modernize aging facilities and rethink how space supports evolving educational models. As some districts grapple with underutilized buildings and shifting community needs, the question is no longer whether change is necessary, but how to approach it. Below are strategies to unlock strategic investment in existing assets, align facilities with evolving educational programs and position schools to attract and听retain听students in a more competitive, choice-driven landscape.听

1. Build flexible, data-informed facility plans

In neighborhoods with aging populations, schools are听operating听below capacity, prompting consolidation or closure, while growth areas on the urban fringe听and in听redeveloping corridors face rising demand and need targeted expansion. This divergence is pushing districts toward more nuanced, data-driven strategies that balance right-sizing in legacy neighborhoods with growth planning elsewhere.听

To respond, districts are adopting more disciplined, long-range planning approaches that integrate enrollment projections, birth rates, housing trends and migration patterns with facility condition,听capacity听and educational adequacy data. Financial modeling grounded in per-pupil revenue forecasts and capital funding scenarios helps weigh renovation versus replacement, while scenario planning prepares districts for shifting demographic and policy conditions. Paired with transparent, community-informed engagement, this approach enables districts to move beyond reactive decisions and build flexible roadmaps that align facilities with evolving programs,听optimize听existing assets and support long-term sustainability.听

2. Right-size school capacity through consolidation and reconfiguration

Many schools were built during the post鈥揥orld War II boom (1950s鈥�70s), with a second wave in the 1990s鈥揺arly 2000s tied to suburban growth. As a result, much of the portfolio, especially in established听districts,听is听now 45 to 65 years old, with some buildings exceeding 70 and requiring significant modernization. While newer schools exist in growth areas, portfolios are听largely defined听by older campuses in mature neighborhoods and newer ones on the fringe. This imbalance is driving complex capital decisions, as districts weigh modernization against replacement amid declining or uneven enrollment.听

Rather than defaulting to replacement, districts are rethinking aging assets and are prioritizing renovation and adaptive reuse to better match capacity with current and projected enrollment. At听Peakview听Academy at Conrad Ball, declining enrollment prompted consolidation efforts, with Thompson School District merging a middle school and two elementary schools into a听new schools听into a new PK鈥�8 campus designed to better align staffing,听programming听and enrollment needs. Similar models, including High Plains School and Riverview PK-8 School, reflect a broader shift toward right-sizing facilities while听maintaining听neighborhood access to education.听

This approach supports more strategic capital investment, reduces long-term maintenance听costs听and improves operational efficiency while enabling evolving instructional models. By听consolidating听underused facilities and reconfiguring grade structures, districts can better balance educational quality with fiscal responsibility, transforming aging infrastructure into more sustainable, future-ready learning environments.听

Stay tuned for Part II of this article later this week, focused on establishing shared understanding to align community and system needs and how to unlock value in existing assets.

Greg Cromer is an education practice leader at听Wold听Architects and Engineers with more than 40 years of experience designing K鈥�12 learning environments. He can be reached via email at听gcromer@woldae.com.听

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

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By听Alexandra听Korestski听IIDA, NCIDQ,听and听William Wong,听AIA,听LEED AP听

How can school construction project teams tap into student creativity听and听make听their听project itself听a once-in-a-lifetime learning experience? In an East Coast STEAM school expansion build-out, school leaders and contractors, along with architects and interior designers from听Spacesmith, put the entire high school body in the driver鈥檚 seat to design their future.听

As designer and architect for this endeavor, the team learned to advocate for high school students in a new way. The process offers 鈥渁 roadmap for student advocacy and championing schools by letting students be an integrated part of their facility planning and design,鈥澨齛ccording to the local AIA chapter.听Designed听like听a STEAM workplace, the result 鈥� the听听in the Brooklyn Navy Yard,听a New York City Public School听鈥� is a 鈥渟chool built听with听students,听for听students,鈥澨齛nd a replicable process for high schools around the country.听

The roadmap for advancing student outcomes is anchored in the integration of curricular goals and enrichment planning with the design and construction of the school itself.听In this听case, the听school leaders envisioned their听STEAM Center to听resemble听a workplace,听an environment for听students听to听be treated as young professionals and听for them to听learn听skills and听hands-on trades that听are听applicable听to听real-world听occupations and industries.听Highlighting听and听elevating听all the inner workings that听comprise听the built environment, the project team could enrich a varied group of STEAM education subjects.听

Almost doubling its footprint on the full third floor of听the Brooklyn Navy Yard鈥檚听Building 77,听the project creates听27,000 square feet听of bright and comfortable classrooms, shops, lounge areas, and administrative zones. The entire space is听customized for academic success听in the school鈥檚 three departments 鈥� Building Trade Systems, Computer Technology Systems, and Engineering 鈥� and eight curricular听pathways including carpentry,听cybersecurity听and manufacturing.听听

Guided by the school鈥檚 distinctive, career-oriented curriculum, the project team and Brooklyn STEAM Center听sought听to engage students as emerging professionals. In听close collaboration with school leadership,听Spacesmith听helped shape the process around three key strategies that support student engagement through an interactive, hands-on approach:听

1. Student听pre-design input.听The design team spent a day at the STEAM center听observing听the general operations, student听arrival听and听departure schedules as the Senior and Junior classes changeover from morning to afternoon, revisiting each area at multiple points throughout the day to see how each space is used.听听
2. Design听input.听The design team led two design charettes with students听representing听each of the pathways, which was the main driver in the design for the common space.听听
3. Construction听input.听During the construction phase, the design team and general contractor hosted monthly tours for the Construction Technology听student groups.听听

Through a collaborative design process with both students and staff at the Brooklyn STEAM Center, the听school鈥檚听layout moves beyond the pure efficiency of a typical classroom model to create a vibrant, flexible environment. Biophilic elements and movable furniture support a range of uses, allowing spaces to shift with daily needs. Curved lighting reinforces this sense of fluidity鈥攅voking waves and water in response to the Brooklyn Navy Yard setting鈥攚hile introducing听a natural听softness and enabling flexible furniture arrangements without reliance on fixed point lighting.听

Student input played听a central role听in shaping quieter, less stimulating areas for focus and privacy. In response, the design incorporates two smaller-scale lounge areas, or 鈥淔ocus Nooks,鈥� that provide retreat while听maintaining听appropriate staff听visibility.听

Glazed classroom entrances enhance transparency and connection, with color film patterns derived from the STEAM Center鈥檚 identity of abstracted tool forms. These openings draw daylight deeper into听the space听and offer glimpses into each classroom鈥檚 unique character and activity.听

In contrast to Building 77鈥檚 industrial palette, the design听layers in听warmth and vibrancy through acoustic panels, lounge furniture, and other student-driven elements. A pegboard installation above the pantry cabinets maps Brooklyn and partner school locations, serving as an evolving, participatory feature. Its kit-of-parts鈥攕imple shelves and interchangeable components鈥攁llows students to adapt and contribute over time, creating a living installation where each class can leave its mark.听

To address noise during class transitions鈥攁 key concern raised by both educators and students鈥攁coustic treatments are carefully integrated across floors, walls, and ceilings, supporting a more focused and comfortable learning environment.听

Materials throughout are school-grade and selected for durability, health, and minimal environmental impact, while also introducing a palette of organic, natural elements. Together with a range of varied, neuro-inclusive settings, the design supports the diverse ways students learn today. Each classroom is equipped with modular, highly flexible furnishings, allowing both students and instructors to adapt their environment to different teaching styles and modes of engagement.听听

In these ways and more, the expanded Brooklyn STEAM Center reflects the vision and ambition of its students. It serves not only as a place of learning, but as an inspiring launchpad for future educational pathways and professional lives.听听听

Alexandra Koretski, IIDA, NCIDQ, is a senior associate at Spacesmith. William Wong, AIA, LEED AP,听joined Spacesmith as an architect and project manager.

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

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By Evelyn Long

In modern school design, the most critical spaces for student development may not be classrooms 鈥� they may be the areas in between. Third spaces like commons, libraries and even hallways represent an untapped frontier for fostering the youth鈥檚 social and mental well-being. They鈥檙e crucial for community health, but they are steadily declining. This presents a unique opportunity for educational facilities. 听

The Disappearing Third Space and Its Toll on Student Wellness听

Third spaces听, unlike the first and second spaces 鈥� the home and work or school. However, third spaces like malls, local parks and other听听after the COVID-19 pandemic and rise of digital platforms and online communities. This reduces the number of venues and opportunities for low-stakes social interactions that children and young adults especially need.听听听

鈥淲e need intimate, close relationships,鈥� Japonica Brown-Saracino, a sociology professor at Boston University, said. 鈥淏ut casual relationships serve a purpose as well, and many of those can be cultivated in a third place.鈥澨�听

Around听听between the ages of 13 and 29 report feeling lonely. Teenagers have the highest rates, and those experiencing this isolation are 22% more likely to earn lower grades. These statistics are alarming, as loneliness can听听and diminish life expectancy.听听

Within academic institutions, third spaces are where students choose to be, without a formal agenda. Students听听these places when听they鈥檙e听at school. For example, many Gen Z students prefer to spend time in settings with third-space qualities when听they鈥檙e听not in class. The challenge for designers is how to bring those qualities inside school walls.听听

From Concept to Construction 鈥� How to Build a Third Space听

While the sociological need for third spaces is compelling, the 鈥渉ow鈥� is where design and construction experts can translate an abstract concept into a functional reality. Here are design strategies and ideas that can transform underutilized areas into vibrant hubs for student life.听听

Implement Flexible and Biophilic Design听

Modern third spaces must serve multiple purposes and ideally connect students to nature. Consider these ideas:听听听

• Use modular seating, movable听partitions听and varied furniture to create distinct zones for quiet study, social听interaction听and collaborative work within a single听open area.听听

• Go beyond potted plants by incorporating living walls, wood-paneled听accents听and large windows to maximize natural light.听听

• Choose carpets,听textiles听or acoustic panels that feature patterns inspired by nature to create a subtle connection to the natural world.听听

Adopt a 鈥淩esimercial鈥� Approach to Materials and Comfort听

Blending the comfort of home with the durability of commercial environments is possible with听particular strategies:听听

• Use durable but comfortable materials like cleanable fabrics, warm-toned听flooring听and area rugs to dampen sound and define spaces.听听

• Install a long, recessed electric fireplace in communal spaces to create a powerful sense of warmth and gathering.听听

• Designate听wall spaces for framing systems that display rotating student artwork to highlight the school鈥檚 community.听听

Ensure Accessibility and Code Compliance听

Compliance with codes and regulations, from听, is also nonnegotiable. Professionals must go beyond meeting the听minimum听requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act to ensure accessibility:听听听

• Create clear, intuitive pathways free of obstacles, with good lighting and clear wayfinding signage to听assist听neurodiverse students or those with low vision.听听

• Provide a variety of seating options, including chairs with and without armrests and couches at different heights.听听

• Design for various sensory needs, which may include using acoustic paneling to dampen noise in 鈥渜uiet zones鈥� and providing areas with lower levels of stimulation.听听

Leverage Smart Technology for Efficient Environments听

Smart technology will be part of an estimated听听by 2028. This widespread adoption means that many students and their parents increasingly see responsive features as a standard.听听

• Implement a zoned, smart HVAC system to keep different zones within a third space cool or heated simultaneously based on occupancy and need.听听

• Install motorized shades that are programmed to automatically lower during peak sun hours to reduce solar heat gain.听听

• Ensure the smart features are well-integrated to reduce energy consumption听听and gain significant savings.听听

Provide Pervasive and Accessible Technology听

Beyond smart automation, third spaces must always provide the fundamental technological infrastructure students need.听

• Integrate power outlets and USB charging ports directly into couches, tables,听benches听and other furniture.听听

• Ensure the third space has a blanket听coverage听wireless network with sufficient density of wireless access points to handle hundreds of simultaneous connections without lag or dead zones.听听

• Create dedicated huddle stations for small group work, equipped with a monitor with screen-sharing capabilities and mobile whiteboards that can be moved to听different locations听as needed.听听

The Future of School as a Community Anchor听

Third spaces are a proven sociological concept that provides the informal, voluntary social connection that today鈥檚 adolescents are actively seeking. The goal is to intentionally design these spaces into the school environment, rather than leaving them to chance. Combine flexible, human-centered architectural planning and strategically integrate smart technology. Aim to become builders of the infrastructure that supports a healthier and more connected generation.听听

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What You Need to Know听

• Elwyn held a groundbreaking Feb. 6 for a new school on its Media, Pa., campus as part of its master campus plan.听

• The facility is expected to be completed in August 2027, with plans to welcome students in fall 2027.听

• Elwyn said the school will support two curriculum tracks, including programming for students with complex behavioral needs and for students working toward greater independence.听

• Elwyn has听allocated听$45 million for construction and design, with financing provided by KeyBank.听

Learn More听

MEDIA, Pa. 鈥斕鼸lwyn, a nonprofit human services organization, has launched construction on a new school intended to reshape the organization鈥檚 educational and therapeutic space for children with disabilities.听

The organization marked the start of work Feb. 6 with a ceremonial groundbreaking attended by elected officials, community partners,听staff听and students.听

The project听marks a milestone in听Elwyn鈥檚听master campus plan, with the organization approaching its 175th anniversary next year.听

鈥淎s we look ahead to our 175th anniversary, it鈥檚 thrilling to break ground on the New Elwyn School,鈥� said Charles S. McLister, Elwyn president and CEO, according to听. 鈥淭his project will set an example of what the future of education can look like for children and adults with autism and intellectual and developmental disabilities.鈥�听

, a full-service architecture, planning, and interior design firm, is pleased to announce the groundbreaking of the new听, a $45 million, 80,000-square-foot PreK鈥�12 facility听located听at the heart of Elwyn’s 260-acre historic campus in Media, Pennsylvania. The new school is the first phase of Elwyn鈥檚 $100 million redevelopment plans for the campus.听

Designed in collaboration with Elwyn and an integrated design-build team, the new school will serve 260 students across two curriculum tracks: those with complex needs requiring intensive clinical support with onsite residential care and those building toward greater independence.听听

“This project is about more than designing a school building; it’s about reimagining what a learning environment can do for students who have traditionally been underserved by conventional design,” said听Mayva听Donnon, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP, Partner at KSS Architects. “Every design decision is rooted in how听the space听will support students’ growth and independence. KSS is honored to partner with Elwyn by designing a campus that will champion inclusion and innovation for future generations.鈥�听听

The building is organized into learning neighborhoods that scale the environment to the individual student experience, offering calming, supportive spaces with direct views of nature using materials drawn from the character of Elwyn’s historic rural campus. A universal design framework rooted in neurodiversity informs every aspect of the plan, from intuitive wayfinding and biophilic design features to restorative spaces and integrated assistive technology. This approach fosters independence, wellness, and a genuine connection to place.听

Sensory rooms, decompression areas, and life skills kitchens complement classrooms and therapy spaces. Specialty program spaces, including music, art, a career discovery lab, and a gymnasium, support holistic student development. The result is a school that is both clinically informed and design-forward: a place where every detail, from the layout of a classroom to the materials on the walls, is grounded in how the space will help students feel, function, and thrive.听

Elwyn has听allocated听$45 million for the new school鈥檚 construction and design, with KeyBank providing financing. Elwyn also听identified听Haverford Development Partners as development and construction partner, with Haverford and North Star Construction slated to build the school.听The building is听anticipated听to be completed in August 2027, with plans to welcome students in fall 2027.听

This article is based on reporting originally published by Elwyn on Feb. 6, 2026.听

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What You Need to Know听

• Maine鈥檚 Governor鈥檚 Commission on School Construction is urging changes to how projects are planned, prioritized and funded, citing rising costs and a growing backlog.听

• The commission estimates the state may need听roughly听$11 billion听over 20 years听to repair or replace aging school buildings; Maine has听nearly听600听public schools听with an average building age of听54 years.听听

• Recommendations include addressing deferred maintenance earlier, using prototype designs, building a statewide facilities master plan and reducing red tape that can extend project timelines.听听

• The report also recommends creating a quasi-independent听Intergovernmental Office of School Infrastructure听and calls for a short-term working group to draft legislation and听implementation听details.听听

Learn More听

AUGUSTA, Maine 鈥� Maine鈥檚 Governor鈥檚 Commission on School Construction is calling for a broad overhaul of the state鈥檚 school construction pipeline, arguing that the current approach cannot keep pace with aging buildings, rising costs and long waitlists for state support.听听

The commission鈥檚 final report lays out a long-term roadmap for planning,听funding听and delivering capital projects statewide 鈥� while local districts such as RSU 23 in Old Orchard Beach point to immediate building-system and accessibility issues as they wait for upgrades.听听

According to reporting by WGME/CBS13鈥檚 I-Team and a follow-up summary by Construction Owners Club, the commission estimates Maine could need听roughly听$11 billion听over the next 20 years to repair or replace hundreds of aging school buildings. The sources note Maine has听nearly 600听public schools and an average building age of 54 years.听听

The impact is visible in districts already queued for state听assistance. RSU 23 is seeking to replace Loranger Memorial School, described as a 90-year-old facility whose infrastructure and learning spaces no longer meet modern expectations. The district is currently at the front of the line for state funding, but Loranger鈥檚 placement on the priority list underscores how demand is outpacing available bond capacity.听听

Commission Chair Valerie Landry said the scale of need requires a shift in strategy, with the report organizing its recommendations around four goals: reducing construction costs, maximizing existing resources, diversifying and increasing funding, and using data more strategically.听听

The commission recommends addressing deferred maintenance earlier to avoid costlier replacements later, encouraging school consolidation where it makes sense, developing prototype or model school designs to reduce upfront design costs, and creating a statewide facilities master plan to guide long-term investment.听听

Process reform is also a central theme. The report calls for reducing the layers of requirements districts must navigate after a project is approved鈥攕uch as permitting, engineering studies, design听requirements听and acquisitions鈥攂ecause those steps can stretch schedules for years and delay when students and staff see a new or renovated building.听听

Even if the state streamlines the process, the commission cautions that financing听remains听the key constraint. The report discusses options such as raising the bond cap, capturing unused debt-service capacity for maintenance projects, exploring dedicated revenue听streams听and examining public-private partnership models used in other states.听听

One of the commission鈥檚 most significant recommendations is creating a small, quasi-independent Intergovernmental Office of School Infrastructure to coordinate planning, data听analysis听and funding strategies across state and local government. The commission notes听establishing听the office would require legislative approval and听urges听state leaders to form a short-term working group to draft legislation and听implementation听details.听听

This article is based on reporting originally published by WGME/CBS13 I-Team on Feb. 26, 2026, and a related summary published by Construction Owners Club on March 2, 2026.听

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What You Need to Know听

• District leaders opted to permanently close Harris-Lake Park Elementary in Lake Park, Iowa,听in January听after a ruptured steam line caused water, electrical and fire system damage.听

• Students in preschool through fifth grade were shifted to temporary classrooms, including a local church and the district鈥檚 high school.听

• The disruption accelerated the district鈥檚 timeline to open its nearly completed听56,000-square-foot听replacement elementary facility, which welcomed听students Feb. 17.听听

• Administrators say the new addition to the existing middle/high school building is designed for more flexible learning and keeps the campus together K-12.听听

Learn听More听

LAKE PARK, Iowa 鈥� After a boiler-related steam leak forced an evacuation and damaged key systems, the Harris-Lake Park Community School District has permanently closed its former elementary building and moved students into a new facility weeks earlier than planned.听The district opened its new elementary school Tuesday, Feb. 17, completing a rapid transition that began with emergency relocations for the district鈥檚 youngest learners.听

Custodial staff spotted a steam leak in the elementary building听in early January,听prompting an evacuation of the school, which served 167 students in preschool through fifth grade, according to KTIV.听听

鈥淚t was causing not only some interior water damage, but the steam was putting an incredible amount of moisture into the air,鈥� Superintendent Mike Thompson said, according to听.听

District officials said the partially ruptured steam line also created safety concerns and led to water,听electrical听and fire system damage. Service Master was brought in to address water and steam impacts, along with electrical damage and fire system repairs, KTIV reported.听听

Classes for elementary students were canceled for two days as leaders听finalized听temporary classroom arrangements. Preschool, transitional kindergarten and kindergarten classes were moved to Lake Park Presbyterian Church, while first through fifth grade students were听relocated听to Harris-Lake Park High School. Students in grades six through 12 remained at the high school, according to KTIV.听听

The district had already been constructing a new elementary school,听designed by听FEH Design,听with a move originally planned after spring break. Following the boiler failure, leaders accelerated the timeline to a mid-February opening.听听

On Feb. 16, the district hosted a media tour of the new elementary addition connected to the existing middle and high school building. Elementary principal Rebecca Matthiesen said staff adapted quickly to the midyear disruption.听

鈥淚t鈥檚 actually been better than we thought,鈥� Matthiesen said, according to听.听听

District leaders highlighted design features intended to support flexible instruction, including varied classroom layouts. Thompson also pointed to campus improvements that keep students and amenities in one place.听听

鈥淥ne of the things you鈥檒l notice when you walk down the hallways is just the open design,鈥� Thompson said, according to听.听听

With the elementary now co-located on the K-12 campus, Thompson said the district expects more opportunities for cross-grade programming and student collaboration.听听

The project team also includes KCL Engineering, Beck听Engineering听and Hoogendoorn Construction.听

This article is based on reporting originally published by KTIV on Jan. 5, 2026, and Feb. 16, 2026.

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鈥淏ELL Construction has been part of Middle Tennessee for more than 50 years, and we are committed to continuing to invest in this region,鈥� said Eric Pyle, president of BELL Construction. 鈥淭hat investment听isn鈥檛听just in projects;听it鈥檚听in people.听听

Baldridge is a project executive in BELL鈥檚 Building Division and leads the company鈥檚 Special Projects group, created to meet ongoing demand for high-touch, fast-moving projects often in the under-$15-million range.听His projects include听听and听Neuhoff鈥檚听听bar.听In 2024, Baldridge earned a Top Construction Professional Under 40 Award from Associated Builders and听Contractors听Greater Tennessee. He holds a bachelor鈥檚 degree in environmental and soil science from The University of Tennessee and a master鈥檚 degree in building construction from Auburn University.听听

Rankin is a project manager on BELL鈥檚 Building Division team, overseeing work across the hospitality, K-12 education, religious and office markets.听Rankin鈥檚 leadership extends beyond the jobsite through service with AGC of Middle Tennessee, including a role on the Construction Leadership Council board. He holds a bachelor鈥檚 degree in civil and environmental engineering from The University of Tennessee.听

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What You Need to Know听

• Sundt Construction has started site preparation for the Albert Einstein Academy Charter High School facility in San Diego.听听

• Sundt described the project as a 96,000-gross-square-foot, five-story campus planned to serve about 800 students, with new construction听anticipated听to begin in summer 2026.听

• The 85,000-square-foot adaptive reuse听project听centers on a light-filled atrium intended to function as a vertical student听commons.听听

• Albert Einstein Academies鈥� board previously postponed the school鈥檚 opening to fall 2027, citing supply chain delays.听

Learn More听

SAN DIEGO 鈥斕齋undt Construction has started work on the Albert Einstein Academy Charter High School project in San Diego, moving into early site preparation ahead of new construction expected later this year.听听

鈥淏reaking ground on this project is an exciting milestone.听We鈥檙e听proud to help create an environment that will support students鈥� growth,听curiosity听and future success,鈥� said John Messick, Sundt project director, according to听.听

In its announcement, Sundt said the future campus is planned as a听96,000-gross-square-foot,听five-story听facility designed to support International Baccalaureate instruction and the academic progression of Albert Einstein Academy鈥檚 middle years program students. Once complete, the high school is expected to serve听approximately 800 students, Sundt said.听听

Planned spaces include 25 classrooms and workrooms, a library, central circulation and collaboration areas, administrative offices, a multipurpose room, food service and culinary classrooms, fitness, dance and weight rooms, a music room and a 200-seat auditorium, according to Sundt. The contractor said the first phase is focused on site preparation, including abatement and removal of the existing building, with new construction anticipated to begin in summer 2026. The adaptive reuse project will be听organized听around a central, light-filled atrium that serves as a vertical听student听commons. It will include听flexible collaboration zones, quiet study听areas听and outdoor learning balconies intended to give students more choice in how they learn and connect.听

Civic听and activity-based programs are planned for the first two stories to allow easier access for community members. The primary community hub and main entry are planned for level three at street level, while classrooms, labs and other academic instruction spaces are planned for the two upper levels.听听

Separately, the Albert Einstein Academies Board of Trustees announced that it postponed the opening of Albert Einstein Academy Charter High School. 鈥淥riginally scheduled to open in Fall 2026, the new high school will now open in听fall 2027,鈥� according to听. The charter operator cited supply chain delays affecting construction materials.听

The听school will听ultimately reach听800 students听in grades 9鈥�12 in the听2029鈥�2030听academic year.听

Sundt听has supported San Diego Unified School District across multiple K-12 facilities, including current and recent work at Hardy Elementary School, Canyon Hills High School, Marston Middle听School听and Morse High School.听

This article is based on information published by Sundt Construction, DLR Group and Albert Einstein Academies.听

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