Madison Starts Work on Two New Middle Schools

The all-electric schools are set to serve district families beginning in the 2028-29 academic year.

Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in Secondary Education

Madison Starts Work on Two New Middle Schools

Live Poll

Do you support prioritizing local tax dollars for the construction of modern, energy-efficient school buildings?

The Madison Metropolitan School District has officially broken ground on new facilities for Sennett Middle School and Cherokee Heights Middle School. Funded by the 2024 facilities referendum, these projects prioritize modern, sustainable design standards for local students.

Why it matters

These construction projects represent a shift toward high-efficiency infrastructure in local education, utilizing all-electric designs to lower long-term building operations costs. The focus on reduced carbon footprints aligns with regional environmental goals while updating space for the district's growing population.

The new Sennett Middle School will span 137,000 square feet, while the Cherokee Heights Middle School project measures 148,000 square feet. Both sites earned the 2026 Dane County Climate Champion designation for their 15% reduction in embodied carbon compared to traditional construction.

The players

Madison Metropolitan School District

The local public school authority responsible for overseeing curriculum and facility infrastructure for Madison students.

Vogel Bros. Building Co.

A construction management firm hired to lead the building and infrastructure updates for these district facilities.

The details

The schools utilize an all-electric design framework that integrates geothermal heating and cooling systems to manage indoor temperatures efficiently. Vogel Bros. Building Co. is managing the construction process to ensure these energy-saving systems are fully incorporated. By focusing on these specific materials and mechanical choices, the district aims to decrease the environmental impact of school infrastructure.

2024: Referendum passed to fund school facilities.
October 14, 2026: Groundbreaking ceremony held for both schools.
2028-29 school year: Planned opening of new school buildings.

The Home Front

These projects mark the implementation phase of the 2024 Madison facilities referendum, which established a new local standard for energy-efficient public infrastructure. The shift to geothermal and all-electric systems reflects a growing trend in municipal construction to reduce long-term maintenance overhead.

Families in the district should track the 2028-29 opening timeline to anticipate changes to school boundaries or transport logistics. Property owners in these neighborhoods may also find these sustainability certifications relevant to local energy-efficiency standards and neighborhood infrastructure value.

The takeaway

The move toward geothermal and all-electric systems in public buildings signals a shift in how the district manages long-term utility costs. Families can review the district's capital project updates periodically to stay informed about facility completion milestones and student transitions.