Midland ISD Starts Construction on Two New High Schools

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

  • Philadelphia Middle School Facility Earns LEED Gold Certification

    The Alternative Middle Years (AMY) at James Martin Middle School in Philadelphia, Penn., recently received a LEED Gold certification from the U.S. Green Building Council, according to a news release. The School District of Pennsylvania partnered with KSS Architects on the project.

  • DFW-Area District Opens New Replacement Middle School

    The Eagle Mountain-Saginaw Independent School District near Fort Worth, Texas, recently held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for a new replacement middle school campus, according to a news release. The new facility for Wayside Middle School, originally established in 1964, was built on the site of the former district administration building and funded through Bond Proposition A in 2023.

  • Kimball International Releases Curated Design Support Program

    Commercial furnishings company Kimball International recently announced the launch of a new end-to-end design support program, DesignSuite. According to a news release, its goal is to guide architecture & design professionals and dealer partners through the process from vision to specification.

  • Arizona District Breaks Ground on Community Training, Learning Center

    The Tolleson Union High School District (TUHSD) in Tolleson, Ariz., recently broke ground on a new Training & Learning Center (TLC) for both district professionals and the community at large, according to a news release. The 90,000-square-foot facility has an estimated completion date of spring 2027.