Building a Better 373

Voters in USD 373 approved a $50 million Facilities Improvement Bond in March 2026.

Since then, Schaefer Architecture has held more than 20 meetings with staff groups during the planning and design phase. Staff input has helped shape the plans, particularly at Newton High School, where teachers have provided valuable insight into their instructional spaces.

In June 2026, USD 373 selected Wichita-based Simpson Construction to serve as the bond’s Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR).

Under the CMAR project-delivery method, Simpson serves as a consultant during the design phase before transitioning into the role of general contractor during construction. The company also commits to completing the work within a guaranteed maximum price.

On Monday, August 10, representatives from Schaefer Architecture and Simpson Construction presented an update to the USD 373 Board of Education. Explore the latest plans below.

The bond projects are expected to span approximately three years, with completion tentatively scheduled for August 2029.

A new rooftop unit was installed at the Newton High School Ag Shop to provide reliable heating and cooling after the previous unit gave out last month. Thank you, USD 373 voters, for making this important improvement possible!

Cooper Early Education Center will be the first dirt moving for the bond project as they build a new classroom and conference space that can also function as a code-compliant storm shelter. This will impact the drop-off/pick-up process, and future meetings with staff and communication with parents/guardians will take place before the changes are implemented.

Work at Cooper Early Education is scheduled to progress from design development through procurement between July 23 and December 7, 2026. Construction documents will be completed by October 1, followed by bidding in October, contract review through November 4 and procurement through December 7.

All four Newton elementary schools will receive HVAC, roofing and security upgrades as part of the bond. Existing storm shelters at each school will also be reinforced to meet current code requirements. If funding remains available, playground improvements will be considered. However, all projects remain subject to changing costs.

Work for the elementary and middle schools is scheduled to progress from design development through procurement between July 23, 2026, and January 1, 2027. Construction documents will be completed by October 30, followed by bidding in November, contract review through December 2 and procurement through January 1.

The three "pods" at Chisholm Middle School will have construction added to the end of each in the form of ADA-accessible restrooms that double as storm shelter space. The existing bathrooms, built in the 1950s, will be renovated into learning spaces, where students could receive services or take tests in private.

The locker rooms, located at each end of the "old" gym, will be completely renovated with new showers, bathrooms, an office and a sitting area for coaches to speak to players or review plays for an athletic contest.

In one of the most transformative bond projects, Newton High School will have 40% of its movable walls removed, creating more functional classroom spaces. Schaefer Architecture plans to introduce straighter corridors and reduce the number of triangular classrooms—both distinctive features of the school’s original 1970s design.

Science and culinary teachers are actively involved in planning their new spaces, providing valuable input throughout the design process.