Madison Schools Staff Start Planning for Referendum Projects

MADISON, Wis. (WMDX) – The Madison Metropolitan School District has started planning new buildings and renovations using the money from the latest referendum. 

In November, voters approved two separate referendums for a total of $607 million. The smaller referendum was worth $100 million, and would go toward continuing operating costs. The larger referendum was worth $507 million, all meant for capital projects. 

District staff have already started working on plans for those facilities projects, according to MMSD public information officer Ian Folger. 

The projects will be done in three phases: 

• Phase 1: replace buildings for Malcolm Shabazz City High School & Sherman Middle School, and Black Hawk Middle School & Gompers Elementary. Expected to be finished by October 2027. 
• Phase 2: replace buildings for Toki Middle School & Orchard Ridge Elementary School, and Cherokee Heights Middle School. Work is expected to begin in November 2025, and be finished by October 2028. 
• Phase 3: replace building at Sennett Middle School, renovate Anana and Crestwood Elementary Schools. Work is expected to begin in November 2026, and be finished by October 2029. 

MMSD executive director of building services Scott Chehak said they plan to release one update every month to keep the community informed about their progress. 

The school board will vote on a construction management company at its meeting January 27.