Solon Community School District
Solon, IA | Education
Overview
Starting with an assessment and master plan, ISG worked with the District to design a new middle school that will provide space for an increasing enrollment and enhance the learning experience.
Opportunity
With aging facilities and enrollment having increased in recent years, Solon Community School District needed to assess its facilities, with particular emphasis on spaces intended for middle school students.
Solution
As part of a District-wide master plan for facilities, ISG worked with the District to thoroughly evaluate all existing facilities, prepare a prioritized list of repairs and upgrades, and evaluate buildings for educational adequacy. During this collaborative planning process, ISG reviewed District-wide demographics and incoming/outgoing open enrollment figures to better predict future trends and how they relate to building needs and capacities. ISG facilitated focus group meetings and conducted online surveys to engage the public and seek external input in the process. This resulted in a successful $25.5 million referendum, which supported a new middle school for the District. This facility includes a music area also designed as a tornado shelter, daylighting and geothermal systems for improved energy efficiency, and secure entrances. Moreover, the school features collaborative learning spaces that are dispersed throughout the building, as well as project rooms, STEM classrooms, and exploratory classrooms.