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December 17, 2025

November 11, 2025

A graphic with blue and yellow sections features the text "A STRONGER FUTURE" and "UPDATE", along with silhouettes of children and a graduation cap logo.

On November 11, 2025, the Hollis + Miller team presented a Design Development Update on the New Central Middle School, and a Schematic Design Update on New Argentine Middle School to the Board of Education project summarizing the additional engagement district-wide and with the Community since the last meeting in August. Since then, the team has started the planning process through the Unified Government and hosted Community and Neighborhood meetings to solicit input and feedback on the design progression to date, with feedback being integrated into the current designs. The design for Central Middle School is currently approximately 8 weeks ahead of Argentine as we work to stagger projects to best utilize district resources. A Design Development update will follow in early 2026 for Argentine Middle School. 

Sumner Academy Addition
Bids for the Sumner Academy Addition were received in October and were presented at this BOE meeting for Informational purposes, with a vote for approval to follow in December.

New Central Middle School 
A comprehensive design development overview of the New Middle School design was shared with the BOE focused on the development of the site plan, exterior design and interior development to best support learners and staff within the building.

The new building will be situated on the old Bethany Hospital site and sit on top of the hill as a beacon for the community, while allowing parking and access from the north, a small event parking lot to the south, and outdoor practice field/play space and walking track to the east of the building.

Considering input from students, staff and the community, the overall building is built around an internal courtyard to prioritize not only natural daylight and views outside but also a protected space to learn and engage with one another during the school day. The overall concept is centered around Vibrant Roots and connects the history of the current Central Middle School and its legacy with bright new beginnings utilizing bold colors and materials to provide a welcoming experience for all students, staff and the community. 

A walk-thru of visual images of the new building design were shared with additional context and story behind the design decisions to date at the BOE meeting. 

Design team will continue to design over coming months and work through construction documents prior to going out to bid in early March. 

New Argentine Middle School 
An initial Schematic Design overview of the New Middle School design was shared with the BOE focused on the development of the site plan, exterior design and interior development to best support learners and staff within the building.

The new building will be situated just south of the existing Silver City Elementary (northwest of JC Harmon High School), nestled into the hillside while allowing parking to the east, and access from the west and north. Parents and cars will drop off from access on Haas with only buses arriving from the north. An outdoor practice field/play space and walking track will be located on the north side of the building after Silver City students relocate to their new building to the south of this site.

Considering input from students, staff and the community, the overall building is organized in two wings, with educational villages to the east and south, with public space and entry to the north of the site with outdoor learning tucked into the south side of the site with access from Makers Space and Art Rooms. The overall concept is centered around Comradery and connects the spirit and history of the current Argentine Middle School and its legacy with bright new beginnings utilizing bold colors and materials to provide a welcoming experience for all students, staff and the community. 

Initial images of exterior design concept, as well as preliminary design of the entry, commons, large group learning spaces, and the gym were shared at the BOE meeting. 

Design team will continue to design over coming months and provide a more detailed design development update in January.

What’s Next:

  • Bids for the Sumner Academy addition will be presented for final approval at the December 2025 BOE Meeting. 
  • Design Development presentation on Argentine Middle School to be shared at a January 2026 BOE Meeting.
  • Construction Documents will be complete for Central Middle School in early 2026, with Bidding to occur in March 2026. Final bids/GMP to presented to BOE in late Spring.
  • Construction start dates in 2026 will depend on final approvals, site readiness, and utility relocations.