Designs finalized for Marshall, McLoughlin

It’s been 26 years since Marshall Elementary and McLoughlin Middle School were partially remodeled, and more than 55 years since they last were rebuilt. But soon both schools will be completely rebuilt into connected structures with shared and separate spaces for elementary students and middle schoolers. The new building will unite the schools while also allowing them to maintain their own identities and enhance their service to the entire learning community. Constructing a single building rather than two separate schools also will help control costs.

Staff, students, parents and community members provided input into the design of the new building. Below are highlights of the final design:

• Two-story structure that will capture natural light for a brighter, more open feeling
• Secure, controlled access into each school and between the elementary and middle schools
• A shared Family-Community Resource Center that will help the schools serve their community and engage families in students’ education
• Media center that can be divided in two smaller spaces or open into one large space for community events
• Centralized kitchen and heating/cooling system
• Separate commons areas that open to outdoor courtyards
• Designated bus drop-off and pickup area
• Separate parking lots for parent drop-offs and pickups for each school
• Secure courtyards that allow students to extend their learning outdoors
• Opportunities to create spaces where students can engage in hands-on, project-based learning
• Places for small groups to work
• New playgrounds with hard and soft surfaces
• New field space
• New rubberized track

The new building will be located between the existing schools. The Propstra Aquatic Center will not be affected. Classroom pods at the existing McLoughlin will be repurposed for district use.

The current McLoughlin eventually will be razed, and the current Marshall will be remodeled for the programs that are now at Lieser Campus.