New Middle School

Build a New Westside Middle School on the Shapiro Site

Project Cost: $88 Million
  • Capacity to serve 680 students in grades 6-8
  • State-of-the-art learning environments, including dedicated studios for art, music, and family and consumer education, along with cutting-edge technology labs
  • 3-court gymnasium with locker rooms, and a dedicated weight room and fitness/yoga studio
  • Ample staff parking for daily operations and a separate, dedicated lot to accommodate night and weekend events

The construction of a new middle school at the existing Shapiro STEM Academy site involves the removal of the current open-concept elementary building and the development of a state-of-the-art facility for our middle school students. This project is a key component of our district's strategic plan to consolidate westside middle schools, aiming to enhance learning environments and improve operational efficiencies.

As part of this transition, students currently attending Shapiro will be re-assigned to other elementary schools within the district at the end of the 2025-2026 school year. Shapiro families will receive personal letters in mid-March 2026 detailing their child's new school assignment for the 2026-2027 school year.

Westside Middle School Consolidation Overview:

Through Phase 2 consolidation, the district will reduce from three to two westside middle schools.

  • New Middle School on Shapiro Site: This new school will welcome students from Perry Tipler and South Park. Specifically, Perry Tipler Middle School students will be split between the new Westside Middle School (approximately 75%) and Carl Traeger Middle School (approximately 25%) to best balance student numbers and utilize our facilities. The new space will provide innovative learning spaces and resources. Westside middle school families will receive letters in mid-March 2028 explaining their child's school for the 2028-2029 school year.
  • Repurposing Perry Tipler Middle School: The existing Perry Tipler Middle School building will undergo renovations to be converted into a dedicated Pre-Kindergarten center and Recreation Department. 
    • [Link to the Tipler Project Page Here: "Learn more about the Pre-K & Recreation Center project here."]
  • Closing South Park Middle School: Our existing South Park Middle School will be closed, and the district will seek to sell the building and adjoining lots.