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

  • Spaces4Learning Announces Winners of 2025 Product Awards

    Spaces4Learning has just announced the winners of the 2025 Product Awards! The award program recognizes innovation and excellence in products that enhance learning environments in K–12 schools and institutions of higher education.

  • K–12 Safety Trends Report Reveals Reliance on Training, Technology

    Wearable safety technology provider CENTEGIX recently released its 2025 School Safety Trends Report, according to a news release. The report is based on more than 265,000 incidents during the 2024–25 school year as reported through the CENTEGIX Safety Platform, used by more than 800 school districts across the U.S.

  • Pangram Secures Funding for AI Detection Technology

    Pangram, which provides technology that detects AI-generated text, recently announced that it has secured nearly $4 million in pre-seed and seed funding, according to a news release. The most recent round of investments, totaling $2.7 million, come on top of the pre-existing seed fund of $1.25 million.

  • bar graph with the bars made out of abstract cinder blocks and other construction materials

    Spaces4Learning 2025 Trends in K–12: Materials & Construction

    With 2025 well underway, it’s time to take a look at some broader trends submitted by you, our Spaces4Learning readership. We asked for your thoughts on topics like classroom design, health & safety, materials & construction, and technology in both K–12 and higher-education environments. Below is a roundup of 2025 trends in K–12 materials and construction from the experts in the trenches.

Digital Edition