Groundbreaking and ribbon cutting held for Madison’s new elementary school
MCS school board president cuts the ribbon at a ceremony celebrating the start of construction on Midtown Elementary School.
By John Peck
MADISON – First it was delayed for rain, then COVID-19, but today city leaders finally joined Madison City Schools officials in a ceremonial groundbreaking of Midtown Elementary. Construction actually started several weeks ago.
The 128,000-square-foot, 900-student capacity school is off Wall Triana Highway just north of the Kroger development. Area legislators, Madison Chamber of Commerce members and Triana leaders also attended.
New Madison City Schools superintendent Dr. Ed Nichols commended the school board, MCS leadership team and community leaders for leading the effort to build new schools.
“Their foresight, and the generous support of citizens in the property tax vote, demonstrates why Madison City Schools is such a leader in education,” Dr. Nichols said. Nichols thanked former Superintendent Robby Parker and Assistant Superintendent Eric Terrell for their leadership roles in the school system.
Madison City Board of Education President Tim Holtcamp said growth is in the DNA of Madison City Schools, with average 250-student increases for many years and up to 500 or so in recent years. Because of continual community support, “we stand here today ushering in the next 20 years of the Madison City School District with a new elementary school for its children, Midtown Elementary.”
“The City of Madison holds immense pride for our school system,” Madison Mayor Paul Finley said. “Breaking ground on Midtown Elementary is another step towards positive growth in our community, serving parents, children and teachers with a learning space suited for the high education standards held for our area.”
Mayor Finley thanked the community for entrusting school and city leaders in steps to manage growth.
Midtown’s mascot will be the Wildcats, a carryover from West Madison Elementary. West Madison will be repurposed as West Madison PreK Center when Midtown Elementary opens in fall 2021.
Stanley Construction Co. did the site preparation work and Bailey-Harris Construction is the prime building contractor.
Construction on the new middle school in Madison will get under way in the coming months. That school, which has yet to be named, will be built off Celtic Drive adjacent the Central Office.
New Madison City Schools Superintendent Dr. Ed Nichols commended the Board of Education, MCS Leadership team and community leaders for leading the effort to build new schools.
