What You Need to Know:��

• Grand opening marks completion of Phase 1 in a full campus reconstruction at��Mōkapu��Elementary School on Marine Corps Base Hawaiʻi.��

• Phase 1 delivered a new two-story administration/library building and a two- and three-story classroom complex with 55 classrooms and support spaces.��

• Work began in January 2023 while the existing campus remained operational; instruction is transitioning into the new facilities after winter break.��

• Phase 2 will demolish remaining older buildings and add a cafetorium, covered��playcourts, a learning courtyard and��additional��parking.��

• Project funding includes about $116.5 million in Department of Defense grants (about 80%) with the state covering the remaining 20%.��

Learn More��

KAILUA, Hawai’i — Mōkapu Elementary School is starting the year in new spaces after completing the first phase of a campus rebuild at Marine Corps Base Hawaiʻi, where the school serves military-dependent students from Marine families.��

The blessing and dedication ceremony drew lawmakers, military��partners��and community members for tours of the new facilities, according to an article from the��Hawai‘i State Department of Education.��

The first phase of the approximately $147 million project replaces��large portions��of a campus that originally opened in 1960. Delivered in Phase 1 are a two-story administration and library building and a two- and three-story classroom complex with 55 classrooms and support spaces, with capacity for��nearly 1,000��students, the department said.��

“What we’re celebrating today is a school that’s better equipped for how teaching and learning happen now — spaces that encourage collaboration, creativity and a sense of belonging, while also honoring the role this campus plays in the broader community,” Hawaiʻi State Department of Education Superintendent Keith Hayashi said, according to��.��

For AEC teams, the phasing plan is a key part of the delivery story. Construction began in January 2023, with the former campus��remaining��fully operational during the build.��The new structures were placed on an open section of the 14.2-acre site that had been used as playfields, a running track and outdoor courts.��Following winter break, classroom operations began transitioning into��the new��facilities.��

“This beautiful new building isn’t the whole story,”��Mōkapu��Elementary Principal Brett Matsukawa said, according to��.��

Next, Phase 2 will remove remaining older facilities and build a new cafetorium, covered��playcourts, a learning courtyard and��additional��parking.��

The��Hawai‘i State Department of Education said the Department of Defense Office of Local Defense Community Cooperation provided approximately $116.5 million — about 80% of the total project cost — with matching state funds covering the remaining 20%.��

Mōkapu��Elementary is the only public elementary school��located��on Marine Corps Base Hawaiʻi, a U.S. Navy installation. The school enrolls more than 780 students in pre-kindergarten through sixth grade and is supported by about 130 faculty and staff, according to the department.��

This article is based on reporting originally published by the��Hawai‘i State Department of Education on Jan. 6, 2026.��

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The role an architect has on student environments can extend well beyond the physical walls of a classroom. Case in point: A new 24,000-square-foot accessible, inclusive playground recently debuted at Williamson Elementary School in Houston’s Galena Park Independent School District, which serves more than 21,000 students, many of whom are economically disadvantaged. Twelve percent of Williamson Elementary students are enrolled in special education programs. The importance of inclusive design on playground means that all students — regardless of limitations, developmental issues or impairments — can experience the same sense of excitement and creativity with their peers, family and faculty. ��

A playground for all ��

The newly opened, $736,000 student playground, designed by Pfluger Architects, is a universally designed, sensory-rich environment that welcomes children of all abilities. The colorful and engaging outdoor space features accessible play equipment that ensures everyone can participate. The project goes beyond minimum accessibility standards to accommodate the widest possible array of physical and cognitive abilities, including rubber surfaces for wheelchairs and walkers, and a variety of equipment and activities that stimulate creativity and help children develop problem-solving skills through play.��

Key elements include a winding sidewalk path with control joints that provide tactile sensory experiences, a climbing sloped hill, and a tunnel for crawling, which encourage exploration and physical activity in a safe and stimulating environment. The project fosters an inclusive community where all children in the district feel supported and encouraged to discover their surroundings in a fun and engaging way.��

The project, which was completed in March 2024, has many unique components that were developed collaboratively between district officials and the Pfluger Architects team to ensure all students have a safe and fulfilling recreational space.����

“One unique aspect is the musical section, where students can sit or lie on the nearby hill and act as an audience, creating a playful performance space. The accessible sidewalk surrounding the playground also serves as a track where students can safely race and play,” said Merri Salazar, project manager at Pfluger Architects.����

Designing for access��

In addition to these flexible spaces, focusing on students with disabilities was paramount to the success of this inclusive design.����

“One of the key requirements for this project was ensuring the entire playground was wheelchair accessible, not just certain paths,” explained Salazar. “We had to carefully manage the grading throughout to ensure that slopes were within acceptable limits, allowing students to freely explore the whole space.”��

For example, the ramp up to the slide was designed with a 1:20 slope ratio, which allowed the Pfluger Architects team to avoid adding guardrails or large landing pads. This helped to keep it looking open and playful while still meeting accessibility standards.��

Now that the facility is completed and being utilized by students, staff, and families, the feedback has been positive and encouraging.����

“We received feedback from the client that classes are using the tunnel under the slide to practice sounding out words and letters, with the echo serving as a sensory reinforcement. This feature has become a fun and engaging way to blend learning with play,” Salazar said.��

Inclusive design trends��

While this project certainly is not the first of its kind, it does shine a light on the importance of creating equitable spaces for all students and considering accessibility in all aspects of school construction design and construction. Not only are accessibly designed spaces becoming more commonplace, but being able to adapt these spaces beyond their traditional recreational function is a trend that is likely to continue.����

“We’re definitely seeing a shift in culture. There’s a growing emphasis on creating equitable spaces — environments that are not only accessible to all but are also versatile and can be used frequently,” Salazar added. “The more people who can engage with these spaces, the better, especially when they serve multiple functions, such as outdoor learning environments.”��

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LOS BANOS, Calif. — Thanks to funding from Measure X, a school bond measure approved by voters in June, the Los Banos Unified School District (LBUSD) is moving forward with plans to build a new elementary school.

For the past year, LBUSD has worked to identify critical facility needs that require attention to protect the local quality of education and help LBUSD students get college- and career-ready. After a thorough due-diligence assessment and planning effort, the LBUSD Board of Education took action on March 8 to place a local school bond, Measure X, on the June 2018 ballot.

The LBUSD administration and Board of Education identified $120 million of need within the district. According to LBUSD, overcrowding is the most significant issue the school district is currently facing, and additional classrooms must be constructed to keep pace with the growth in enrollment. Modernization, safety upgrades, and updating aging infrastructure will help keep pace with 21st century instruction.

LBUSD’s Measure X proposal seeks a more affordable $65 million in an effort to not increase homeowners’ property tax rate.

According to the , LBUSD officials have yet to name the new elementary school. It will reportedly be built to accommodate 990 students from kindergarten to sixth grade and will be ready by the start of the school year in 2020.

“Our elementary schools are bursting at the seams,” said Anthony Parreira, president of the Los Banos Unified School District Board to the Sun-Star, adding that officials are reportedly trying to get the new school built as soon as possible.

In addition to the construction of the new elementary school, Measure X will modernize existing outdated classrooms and labs to improve science, technology, engineering, math, and skilled trades instruction, including providing a new science wing at Pacheco High.

Measure X will also upgrade Loftin Stadium for improved safety and fitness/athletics programs, repair or replace aging, deteriorating roofs, plumbing, and electrical systems, and improve student safety by upgrading fire alarms, smoke detectors, emergency communications, fencing, security cameras, and drop-off/pick-up areas.

A report from the Merced Sun-Star contributed to this story.

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Using a Collaborative Design-Build approach, McCarthy plans to deliver a new campus that consists of two classroom buildings and a third administration building that will include a kitchen and flexible, multipurpose space to accommodate the shifting needs of the students and staff. Flexible furniture, multiple writing walls and open spaces for collaboration are key features throughout the facility. A new off-street driving lane for student pick-up and drop-off will also be included to provide additional safety and alleviate road congestion during peak traffic times. Funding for the campus upgrades are supported by Measure P, which voters approved in 2016.

Reflecting the district’s focus on collaborative learning with the Collaborative Design-Build delivery model, the team ultimately arrived at a solution that embraced the end-user and school administration goals established. As part of the school’s recent Open House festivities, McCarthy unveiled a preview of the updated design with a virtual reality walkthrough, which was received with enthusiasm and excitement from students and parents.

“Del Paso Manor is a cornerstone component of the neighborhood, and we worked closely with the broader community to determine the overall needs and features that would best serve all of the project’s end-users,” said Senior Project Manager Andrew Dessling with McCarthy. “The upgrade to all new facilities allows the district to truly support its educational philosophy that ensures students reach their highest academic, social and intellectual potential in a modern, safe environment.”

Construction will begin on October 15, 2018.

McCarthy Building Companies, Inc. is the oldest privately held national construction company in the country, and the firm has offices in St. Louis; Atlanta; Collinsville, Ill.; Portage, Ind.; Kansas City, Kan.; Phoenix; Las Vegas; Denver; Dallas, Houston; Albuquerque; San Diego, Newport Beach, San Francisco, San Jose and Sacramento, Calif.

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HAMBURG, Iowa — Construction and upgrades to Hamburg’s Marnie Simons Elementary School will proceed despite recent weather issues, while a major portion of the project is slated for completion in the summer with the help of ConStruct Inc. of Omaha, Neb.

One of the key portions of the project is the 21st Century Discovery Center, which would provide what school officials are calling a “markerspace” for student projects. Another portion of the project involves a new consumer science room, which has been reported as being completed.

Hamburg School Superintendent Dr. Mike Wells appeared in an interview on June 18 with a to announce updates on the school. Wells stated that workers have faced heavy precipitation over the past few weeks, including torrential rain from a severe storm on June 11. Although the rain has slowed down the pouring of cement, construction on the project will not be delayed. Wells said that they’re currently preparing to pour the floors and have already conducted compact tests on the soil. The team has also begun working on removing asbestos tiles from the classrooms as well as putting in new carpet.

Wells said that Aug. 1 is the deadline for contractors to finish that portion of the project as well as the renovation of the building’s science rooms, giving the school three weeks before the new academic year to install equipment and properly train staff on said equipment. If construction is not completed by then, there will be a penalty every day after the exceeded date.

Hamburg’s School Board recently approved features of another part of Marnie Simons’ expansion and renovation with a new safe and secure entryway, according to The superintendent said that new security-camera and door-scanning systems are necessary since the recent rise of school shootings across the country. However, one setback from the lone bid for the safe and secure entryway portion of the project came in over budget. As a result, Wells said the district is going back to the square one on a bid letting.

Once construction is completed, Wells has recommended that the discovery center should be named in honor of longtime Hamburg physician Dr. Fred Ashler, a person who has been seen as a backbone of the school district and the community altogether.

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Oconomowoc Area School District (OASD) staff, parents, students, community members, Eppstein Uhen Architects (EUA), Oliver Construction and Nicholas & Associates all participated in the festivities. (All three companies working on the project have offices in Wisconsin.)

EUA was chosen to design the new 112,000-square-foot elementary school that will host 675 students and include open classrooms with moveable glass walls, administration spaces and a cafeteria with a social stair and stage area. The design showcases modern learning environments through the use of increased daylighting, an emphasis on collaboration and a substantial flexibility to support current and future learning needs.

“One of the aspects of the project that we are most proud of is the way that the students and staff were able to participate in the design process,” said Bob Morris, senior design architect for EUA. “This started with surveys of the students, and included Q and A sessions with the architects for students at each grade level of the school. A visionary team of staff members was established to work in tandem with the architects to develop a new model for how education would work in the finished school. The final design is a result of several workshops with this dedicated team, and then several additional meetings with all staff members to develop the final details.”

Morris added that the resulting design is a truly student-centered environment, bursting with a mix of varied educational spaces for different educational methodologies. Even the more-traditional large group spaces open directly onto flexible, grade-level learning commons, which Morris said allows students to break out into different areas and grouping based on their educational needs. The design intends to minimize traditional corridor space and create a building that is compact, energy-efficient and heavy on natural light.

The exterior design of Meadow View Elementary, he explained, is designed to fit into the prairie on which it is built. Low horizontal angles embrace the horizon and open up towards views of the surrounding natural environment. The natural stone, brick, wood, metal panel and glass are intended to create a timeless design that is rooted in nature but looks towards the future. The large entrance canopy is another hallmark of the design.

On April 9, the OASD School Board approved the Guaranteed Maximum Price of $27.32 million for the new school. This cost is $1.01 million below the pre-referendum budget, attributable to a competitive bid environment. The project’s completion date is set for August 2019.

Since the start of the facility referendum process in 2016, the OASD has had a solid partnership with the city of Oconomowoc and St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church. In January 2017, the OASD School Board secured a contract to purchase 20.2 acres of land off Brown Street/Hwy P, for the new Meadow View School. This location is approximately 1 mile south of the current school site and directly adjacent to a property owned by St. Matthew’s.

With both locations set within the city of Oconomowoc and directly adjacent to each other, it made sense for OASD, St. Matthew’s and the city to work in partnership to develop the corridor. This partnership will result in a new Meadow View School, new St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church and School, and new city of Oconomowoc Park, all equipped with complete roadways and sidewalks along with city sewer and electric.

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BG Consultants predicted that Manhattan’s elementary schools will reach full capacity within the next 10 years, and as a result, has made recommendations for a five-, 10- and 20-year plan for the district — all of which include new facility construction to meet the growing population of the district, said Clint Hibbs, AIA, LEED AP at BG Consultants, according to in Manhattan. The current recommended five-year plan is to build a new elementary school in Blue Township where the district already owns undeveloped land. Blue Township is one of the fastest-growing communities in the district, according to BG Consultants’ calculations, with the community’s students currently being bused to Woodrow Wilson Elementary in Manhattan.

Additional recommendations from BG Consultants include a middle school expansion to prepare for the incoming elementary students that the increasing population growth will certainly need. Further recommendation from the architectural firm include the demolition of all existing mobile and annex school facilities, expansion of safety measures for each school, the addition of dedicated gym space for each of the smaller elementary schools, and an increase in bus lanes and parking for all district schools. As part of the recommended 10-year plan, BG Consultants has recommended the construction of another elementary school on the west side of Manhattan, and if the population increases as predicted in 20 years time, the addition of a third middle school and second high school will also be needed.

All of these recommendations from BG Consultants are still under consideration by the school district board, and no decisions have yet been made, according to Eric Reid, USD 33 assistant superintendent.

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• Princeton University will soon install a 5.3-megawatt solar collector field on 27 acres in West Windsor Township, N.J. The system, comprised of 16,500 photovoltaic panels, is expected to be one of the largest single installations at a U.S. college or university. Construction could begin this summer and be completed in one year depending on approvals from local and state authorities. The collector field should generate 8 million kilowatt-hours per year — enough to power the equivalent of 700 homes or, at Princeton, enough to meet 5.5 percent of the total annual campus electrical needs. This renewable energy source will be funded and owned by Superior, Colo.-based Key Equipment Finance, which will lease it to Princeton. The project will eventually reduce the university’s carbon footprint by decreasing its dependence on fossil fuels and should trim approximately 8 percent per year from its electric costs. 
 

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