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Oshkosh Gathers to Celebrate Vel Phillips Middle School Groundbreaking
Celebrating our community’s commitment to investing in our students, in our schools, and in our future.
On Wednesday, April 6 the Oshkosh community joined together to celebrate the Groundbreaking Ceremony for Vel Phillips Middle School. The event featured comments from future Vel Phillips Middle School students and families, District leaders and volunteers, as well as the school’s principal. Students, staff, current and past members of the Board of Education, members of the District’s Facilities Advisory Committee, and local dignitaries participated in ceremonial shovel turns. The Merrill and Webster Stanley middle school bands also kicked off the event with festive music and the playing of the National Anthem.
"Vel Phillips Middle School is just the beginning of our journey forward," said Bob Poeschl, OASD Board of Education President. "As a school board, we are committed to putting students first and prioritizing modern schools that are more efficient, effective, and equitable for all of our students."
The construction of Vel Phillips Middle School is part of the $107 million capital referendum that the Oshkosh community supported in November of 2020. It is included in phase one of the district’s multi-phase, long-range facilities plan to improve and modernize district schools. The Merrill Middle and Webster Stanley Middle school communities will join together as Vel Phillips Middle School, set to open for the 2023-2024 school year. Kristi Levy, current principal at both Merrill and Webster middle schools, was named principal of the new school in July 2021. A new elementary school will be built on the current Webster Stanley site once Vel Phillips Middle School is completed.
"As a District, we are so grateful to be a part of a community that understands the importance of investing in our students and schools, that is eager to work with us, and ultimately trusts us to do what is best for our students," said Bryan Davis, OASD Superintendent of Schools.
VPMS Groundbreaking Photo Gallery
Visit the new Building Our Future webpage for a complete event photo gallery (click on the VPMS Celebrations tab) and additional construction project updates.