MMSD Details Phase 1 Referendum Progress and Upcoming Phase 2 Input Sessions

MADISON, Wis.—The Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) continues to make steady progress on its Phase 1 facilities referendum projects, advancing planning, design and early construction work while preparing for formal groundbreakings on March 20, 2026.

Phase 1 projects include replacement of the buildings that house Sherman Middle School and Malcolm Shabazz City High School, and Samuel Gompers Elementary School and Black Hawk Middle School. Work at each site is focused on modernizing learning environments, improving safety and accessibility, and supporting long-term sustainability.

“As we move closer to construction, our focus remains on delivering high-quality facilities that reflect the needs of students, staff and the broader community,” said Scott Chehak, MMSD senior executive director of building services. “This work represents years of planning and community input, and we are excited to see these projects begin to take shape.”

The projects remain on time and on budget. So far, MMSD has invested more than $6.7 million in referendum-related work across the district. Spending by site includes:

Sherman Middle School/Malcolm Shabazz City High School: $2,510,790.19
Samuel Gompers Elementary School/Black Hawk Middle School: $2,029,780.33
Orchard Ridge Elementary School/Akira R. Toki Middle School: $492,039.29
Ray F. Sennett Middle School: $403,697.05
Cherokee Heights Middle School: $358,104.89

These investments support early planning, site preparation, design development and project management as work advances across both phases of the referendum.

“Careful stewardship of taxpayer dollars is central to this work,” Chehak said. “We are committed to transparency, fiscal responsibility and making sure each project delivers lasting value for students and neighborhoods.”

As planning continues for Phase 2 projects, MMSD will host a series of public input sessions later this month to engage the community and gather feedback on proposed improvements. Families, staff and members of the public are encouraged to attend to learn more directly from the project team.

Upcoming public input sessions:

Orchard Ridge Elementary School/Akira R. Toki Middle School
5602 Russett Rd., Madison, WI 53711
Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2026, from 5:30 to 7 p.m., Cafeteria
Cherokee Heights Middle School
4301 Cherokee Dr., Madison, WI 53711
Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2026, from 5:30 to 7 p.m., Library
Ray F. Sennett Middle School
502 Pflaum Rd., Madison, WI 53716
Thursday, Jan. 29, 2026, from 5:30 to 7 p.m., Cafeteria

Additional information about MMSD’s facilities referendum projects, including timelines and design updates, is available 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 6,000 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.