Midland ISD Starts Construction on Two New High Schools

  • By Matt Jones
  • 07/15/25

The Midland Independent School District recently announced that it will break ground on two new high schools in Midland, Texas, according to a news release. The district is partnering with Pfluger Architects, Lee Lewis Construction, and Satterfield & Pontikes to create a total of over 1.5 million square feet for 8,400 students in grades 9–12. Funding comes from a $1.4-billion bond that passed in 2024.

“Our goal was to design these schools to feel rooted in their community—both culturally and environmentally,” said Pfluger Architects Architectural Designer Casey Mirau. “The perforated metal scrim animates the façade by shifting light throughout the day, while the gradated patterns are a reminder of the ever-changing, wind-swept sand, connecting the buildings to their landscape.”

The school’s design will integrate Career and Technical Education labs to support hands-on learning and workforce readiness, the news release reports. Student input led designers to integrate indoor and outdoor spaces, and more than 90% of the building’s classrooms receive direct sunlight. Sustainability features include water management and ecological preservation strategies against the West Texas backdrop.

“The community’s rallying support for these schools is not just a financial commitment, it is a testament to the collective belief in the power of education and the role of thoughtful design in shaping that experience,” said Pfluger Architects Principal Design Director Christian Owens. “The program encompasses dedicated spaces for core academics, athletics, and fine and performing arts, ensuring a well-rounded educational experience. We’re creating a next-generation learning environment that feels more like a college campus than a conventional secondary school.”

The ultimate goal was to balance a large, high-capacity school with an intimate, student-centered experience. According to the news release, both new campuses will offer identical opportunities and amenities with unique identities and color palettes.

About the Author

Matt Jones is senior editor of Spaces4Learning. He can be reached at [email protected].

Featured

  • Delta State University Completes Renovations to School of Nursing Facilities

    Delta State University recently completed a major expansion and renovation project for the Robert E. Smith School of Nursing facilities on its campus in Cleveland, Miss., according to a news release. The project includes about 14,000 square feet of new construction and more than 21,000 square feet of renovation work to the existing space.

  • Gretna East High School

    Gretna East High School

    Established in 1999, the Education Design Showcase is a vehicle for showing off innovative — yet practical — solutions in planning, design, architecture, and construction. Gretna East High School has been recognized with an EDS 2025 Project of Distinction award in the category of New Construction.

  • Springfield Breaks Ground on $53.7M Pipkin Middle School Rebuild

    Construction is underway on a new, state-of-the-art Pipkin Middle School in Springfield, Mo., a major step in Springfield Public Schools’ (SPS) long-term facility improvement plan, according to local news. The $53.7-million project officially broke ground in early June, following years of planning and community input aimed at modernizing aging infrastructure and addressing student capacity concerns.

  • Tufts University Breaks Ground on Two New Residence Halls

    Tufts University in Medford, Mass., recently broke ground on two new residence halls with a total capacity of 664 beds, according to local news. The project’s ultimate goal is to expand on-campus housing and reduce pressure on the local housing market.

Digital Edition