The School District of Lancaster is recommending bold new plans to modernize its schools and create more efficient learning environments for students. Superintendent Dr. Keith Miles this week announced options to the school board to build a new consolidated elementary school and a new Wheatland Middle School as part of its long-range facilities plan.
The new elementary school would combine students from Hamilton and Price Elementary Schools into a single, state-of-the-art building. In addition, the district would build a new Wheatland Middle School, creating a modern campus alongside Smith-Wade-El Elementary School. The plan also calls for realigning E.R. Martin into a PreK–5 elementary school. The new middle school will serve students from Smith-Wade-El, Martin, Lafayette, and Wharton Elementary Schools.
“These new schools represent an important investment in our students and in the future of our community,” Dr. Miles said. “They will provide safe, modern, and inspiring spaces where children can learn, grow, and succeed.”
The new elementary school is expected to open in 2028, with Wheatland Middle School scheduled to open in 2029.
Dr. Miles emphasized that the facilities plan not only improves learning environments but also helps stabilize the district’s finances. Without the changes, the district faces a projected $44 million deficit by 2030 and would need an estimated $130 million in new debt to update aging schools.
“By consolidating and realigning schools, we can save millions of dollars each year in operating costs and reduce the need for future borrowing,” Dr. Miles said. “This allows us to put our district on stronger financial footing while giving our students the facilities they deserve.”
District leaders acknowledged that the changes will bring some adjustments. School boundaries will be updated, and some staff may be reassigned to other schools. However, Dr. Miles noted that no job losses are anticipated at this time.
“Change is never easy, but it’s necessary if we want to provide the best possible opportunities for our students,” Dr. Miles said. “We are confident that we can make these transitions thoughtfully and in a way that benefits both our students and staff.”
To keep families informed and engaged, the district will host a series of town hall meetings in schools across the southwest area. These meetings will give the community an opportunity to learn more about the plan, ask questions, and provide feedback.
“This is about building for the future, together,” Dr. Miles said. “We look forward to working with families, staff, and community members to make this vision a reality.”