Smith Middle School was constructed in 1954 on a 26 acre campus it shares with Nowlin Elementary School
With the 2026 transformational bond, a new preschool through eighth grade building would be constructed on the site, replacing both Smith and Nowlin. Estimated costs for the new school: $120,536,500. For an overview, see the one-page Smith flyer.
Smith Middle School
Proposed Nowlin-Smith School
Phase 1 (Years one to five)
New building features:
- New educational spaces for general and special education students
- Art/music/STEAM/career exploration labs
- Separate gyms for elementary and middle school students and a shared gymnatorium for all grades
- Separate cafeterias for elementary and middle school students
- Pool with ADA ramp
- Age-appropriate and accessible playgrounds
- New turf field and running track
- Secured vestibule/reception
- Separate bus loop/drop-off
- Expanded parking
- Student support spaces
About PK-8 schools
Combining existing buildings into new schools will allow the district to reduce its total footprint to less than 2 million square feet. Instead of maintaining two neighboring buildings, the district would have one new, modern, efficient school for students.
Creating preschool-through eighth grade buildings will allow students and families to form strong bonds while remaining in their neighborhood school for much longer. Elementary and middle school students would be separated for classes, meals, recess, lineup, and dismissal, but all students could use special spaces like STEM labs, music rooms, and gymnasium-auditoriums. An ADA accessible pool would also be included and a turf athletic field.
Students and families would benefit from staying in the same neighborhood school for up to 10 years – from free GSRP preschool through eighth grade.
Learn more about the 2026 transformational bond on the district website.
