A New Campus for Two Thriving Schools
Slated to open in September 2026 pending voter approval, the new middle and high school campus will support collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking in our students.
Join us at an upcoming information session in each of the district’s seven member towns to learn more about the project.
School tours
Final Building Tour
Thursday, February 29, 2024
Time: 5:30 pm
Meet in front of the High School Gym. This tour is held prior to the annual MVSU Budget Hearing which will be held in the Library at 6:30 pm.
Past sessions
January 22, 2024 · 6:30 PM
Killington Info Session
January 17, 2024 · 7 PM
Pomfret Info Session
January 16, 2024 · 6 PM
Plymouth Info Session
February 15, 2024 · 6:00 PM
Barnard Info Session
February 9, 2024 · 6:30 PM
Bridgewater Info Session
February 12, 2024 · 6:00 PM
Reading Info Session
February 13, 2024 · 6:00 PM
Woodstock Info Session
Planning for the Future
The Woodstock Union Middle and High School building, built in the 1950s and 1960s, is no longer able to support its active school community.
A 2022 study by the Vermont Agency of Education found that the building is in poor condition, with many of its systems failing, including the heating, windows, roof, electrical, plumbing, and septic systems. This has caused inadequate ventilation, poor acoustics, substandard accessibility, and insufficient safety standards, which have presented significant obstacles to learning and potential health concerns. The school district has been forced to make costly, patchwork repairs that don’t solve these problems in the long term.
To address these challenges, an in-depth Facility Condition Assessment and master planning process was completed. Its conclusion—a new facility would provide the best value and exceptional opportunities and benefits for students, teachers, and the surrounding community.
At a Glance: The New Building Design
- Two-story 158,000 square foot school with a capacity of 600.
- Net-zero ready with energy-efficient systems and modern fresh air handling to ensure a healthy environment for students and staff and reduce ongoing district operating costs.
- ADA compliant to ensure accessibility for all.
- Performing arts spaces equipped with modern technology and acoustics
- Natural light-filled mutli-purpose central gathering space.
- School greenhouses provide hands-on learning opportunities.
- Designed for modern teaching and learning including flexible and collaborative classroom spaces.
- Modern code compliant fire suppression and security systems designed to adhere to best practices.
Project Gallery
View detailed architectural drawings, designs, and landscape plans for the new school in the project gallery.
Project Timeline
A private fundraising effort has begun to help offset the total project cost with over $3.5 million in pledges secured to date. Construction plans, site work, and permitting should be completed by early 2024. If a bond vote is successful at Town Meeting Day in 2024, the new school can be constructed in 18 months, in time for the start of school in the fall of 2026.
MARCH 2023
On Town Meeting Day, voters approved $1.65 million in funding to complete project planning and permitting.
MARCH 2024
Voter approval of the bonds for the construction of the new building and demolition of the old building
A majority of voters across all member towns will be required to move the project forward.
EARLY 2025
Break ground on construction of new building
The new school will be on a different site, adjacent to the current school building, so classes will continue in the old building until the new building is ready.
AUGUST 2026
New building opens for classes
Demolition of the old building and creation of the new Jim McLaughlin Field begins a few weeks later.
AUGUST 2027
Opening of the new Jim McLaughlin Field
The field will be on the site of the old building following demolition and seeding.
Understanding the Tax Impact
Use this tax calculator to get a better sense of how the bond will affect your taxes, based on the value of your home and your household income. If you have any questions about using the calculator or its results, please email breakingnewground2026@gmail.com.
The calculator is intended to show the isolated impact of the bond on education taxes. Because future state education tax rates are unknown, the actual tax amounts cannot be known precisely. However, using the fair market value of a property and a consistent value for future annual education taxes allows us to see the effect of the bond alone.
The Current Building: Understanding the Challenges and Opportunities
Our school building was constructed in the 1950s and 1960s using inexpensive prefabricated materials like fixed cinder blocks and concrete slabs with a lifespan of around 40 years. Get a behind-the-scenes look at the challenges facing the school and learn more about the immense need for a new building with 21st-century systems.
Frequently Asked Questions
We understand that you may have questions about the project, so we've put together a list of some frequently asked questions to provide more information. You can learn about the project's length, cost, design, and environmental impact. We'll be updating this information as the project progresses, so be sure to check back for the latest developments.
Project Updates and Information
Stay informed about the state of this project by exploring the latest updates. Discover in-depth information and insights into the various stages of this exciting project.
Recent Presentations
New Build Presentation
January 2024
Schematic Design Project Summary
April 24, 2023
MSHS New Build Project Project Recap
March 24, 2023
In the News
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Reach out to breakingnewground2026@gmail.com with any questions you may have.