PreK-12 School Progress Updates

Confronted with the challenges of three aging facilities, the District initiated a facility assessment to evaluate the needs of each building. Through the process, it was determined that constructing a single, new campus would most effectively meet educational needs of students and the physical and financial needs of the District. In May 2024, the communities of Martin County West approved a bond to fund the development of a new PreK–12 facility at the current high school site.

Project Goals

Decrease the overall building square footage to operate and maintain.
Reduce redundancies and triplicates across multiple facilities and locations to alleviate financial strains.
Bring all students and staff together in one building to foster collaboration and enhance student comradery.
Replace aging facilities to improve energy efficiency, streamline operations and maintenance, and conform to current codes.

Construction Updates

Site preparation is complete with mass grading finished and the pond fully dug. Crews have started installing underfloor plumbing and underslab electrical in select areas, laying the groundwork for upcoming phases. Footings and foundations are nearly complete, paving the way for the next milestone. Precast wall panels will soon be set up on site, giving the structure its first visible form.

Image taken by Paul Schoen

Much of the overall site has been cleared of trees needed and other elements like the press box, bleachers, and tennis courts.

It was brought to our attention that a population of Sullivant’s milkweed was planted some time ago on the site. Sullivant’s Milkweed is threatened in Minnesota and the DNR closely monitors where planted and native populations exist within the state. The construction crews moved around these plants until ISG's Ecologist, William Stencel, could assist in transplanting the milkweed. They will be kept safe during construction and replanted in the new native prairie that is planned for the west side of the new site.