After the community approved the capital referendum projects in August 2024, there has been plenty of work going on behind the scenes to make this project become a reality. District leadership and elementary school staff had several meetings throughout the design process with the architectural, engineering, and design team (ISG) and the construction manager (Bradbury Stamm). Design has wrapped up and the start of construction has begun.

We are excited to keep the community involved as we continue through the construction process and we thank you for your continued support of Morris Area Schools.

Construction Milestones

Below is a timeline of important milestones throughout construction. Be on the lookout for project images as we move through construction!

Ground Breaking - July 2025

We have officially kicked off the 2024 Facility Bond projects celebrating our ground breaking July 10, 2025. The referendum project includes includes a 22,000 sq. foot elementary school addition, tennis court improvements, and secure entrance upgrades. We are excited to see this project take shape!

July 30, 2025

In conjunction with widening part of the drive at the Elementary entrance, crews had to remove a good length of the drive to install new sanitary sewer and drain tile beneath it. Once those utilities are complete, the road will be put back together and freshly paved.

On the northeast corner, a section of existing storm sewer was within the footprint of the new addition and had to be removed. Until the new piping is installed, water is being pumped daily to keep levels down.

While the recent rain has added a few hurdles, progress continues, and we’re excited to see things taking shape!

August 18, 2025

Fresh paint is going down in the front pick-up and drop-off lane! After being re-tarred recently following the water and sewer work for the addition, the lanes are getting their finishing touches.

August 22, 2025

Concrete footings and foundation walls for the addition are currently being completed. Upcoming work includes backfilling the foundations, constructing masonry bearing walls, and installing structural steel. All this work is in preparation for precast concrete erection, which is scheduled for September.

September 25, 2025

The next big step in construction is underway! On September 24, crews began installing the outer precast wall panels. These massive panels arrive on site by semi-truck and are lifted into place with a crane, creating the building’s exterior walls.

We’ve captured drone footage to give you a unique overhead look at the progress!

DJI_0467.MP4

October 3, 2025

Building Update: Exterior Walls Are Up!

The precast exterior walls are now standing! Starting on September 24, crews installed the large wall panels, delivered by semi-trucks and lifted into place one by one with cranes. Work began at the back of the building and wrapped around toward the front, giving shape to the full structure.

The floor system for the second floor is also part of the precast package (known as precast plank), and installation of the precast plank system is now complete as well.

Exterior Wall Completion

November 25, 2025

Tennis Restroom Building

Work on the Tennis Restroom building is nearing completion for the season. A small number of remaining tasks will be completed in the spring when temperatures allow. Once those final items are finished, the facility will be ready to open for use.

Elementary School Addition

Roof: Installation of the structural roof steel is complete, and roofing work is well underway.

Second Floor: Crews are pouring the concrete topping slab this week. Masonry walls and framed walls are scheduled to begin in early December.

First Floor: In-floor heating installation is underway, with concrete floor pours planned for early December.

December 30, 2025

Construction progress continues to move forward, and the interior is really starting to take shape. Individual classrooms and spaces are now clearly defined, and the building is beginning to feel like a school.

Second Floor:

Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (MEP) rough-ins are wrapping up, with drywall finishing now underway.

First Floor:

Metal stud framing and CMU walls are being built. Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing rough-ins are beginning.

Additional Progress:

Window installation is also underway, bringing more light into the building.

February 5, 2025

Work continues to move forward with strong progress on both the first and second floors of the building.

Second Floor Updates

Classroom painting has been completed, and installation of the acoustical ceilings is currently underway. Construction teams are also building and finishing restroom ceilings and corridor soffits. Mechanical and electrical finishes inside the classrooms will be a primary focus over the next couple of weeks.

First Floor Updates

Drywall finishing is well underway, with classroom painting scheduled to begin next week. Mechanical and electrical teams are wrapping up overhead rough-ins in preparation for ceiling installation and soffit framing.

In addition, the windows have been installed and are looking great, an exciting visual sign of progress.