Forest Hills Public Schools presented a detailed design vision for the Northern Hills Middle School reconstruction during the Aug. 11 board meeting and said the project will be built in seven phases with construction expected to begin in April and finish around September 2028.

Missus Steinmeier, speaking for the finance and bond-construction update, summarized the designer’s work with GMB and said the design began with stakeholder visioning and established five primary goals: celebrating outdoor spaces, improving transitions and wayfinding, creating a cohesive and inclusive environment, opening a brighter, safer main entry and providing flexible collaboration spaces.

"We expect this project to come in right around budget," Missus Steinmeier said. She said the design documents will go out to bid in September and the board should expect related construction contract approvals on the November agenda.

Steinmeier also listed other capital updates: Pine Ridge elementary nearing completion with an open-house planned; elementary playgrounds wrapping up with Northern Trail expected to finish in September; an aquatic center presentation scheduled for September and anticipated board approval in November; and several construction projects expected to be active in 2026. The district said many construction updates and the full bond presentation are posted on the district website.

The board was told the district plans to manage the project in phases and that bids and contractor selection will follow the district’s procurement practices. Administrators said the design includes flexibility to accommodate future needs and emphasized attention to wayfinding, calmer transitions between classes and more purposeful outdoor learning spaces.

No final construction contract was approved during the meeting; the district said bidding will begin in September and contract approvals will come later in the fall.