On Thursday, May 14, North Middle School hosted its first parent meeting regarding the campus transformation project as part of the district’s ongoing Bond 2025 initiatives. Thank you to those who attended the meeting. 

See the full presentation here for specifics on each topic, including renderings, site plan and floor plans. The goal is to have substantial completion by August 2028.

Construction Phasing IA and IB for Summer 2026 – Fall 2026

The presentation provided families with an overview of Phase IA and IB construction plans, which include:

Phase IA

• Exterior
  • construction fencing and mobilization
  • site utilities and infrastructure
  • portables and covered walkways
  • site paving demolition
• Interior
  • demolition of northwest corner of building

Phase IB

• Exterior
  • north parking lot closed
  • new fine arts and athletic addition started
  • portables and covered walkway complete
• Interior
  • renovation of classrooms south of courtyard started (Level 01 and Level 02)

Portables

Capacity: 10 classrooms and 2 library portables across 7 buildings will be installed in summer 2026 and will be used through the entire 2026-27 school year and fall 2027 semester. In spring 2028, four portable buildings will be removed.  Impacted classrooms are accessed through interior doors in each portable building.

Safety measures regarding the portable classrooms include a fully secured area designed to ensure student and staff safety at all times. The entire portable zone is enclosed with 8-foot chain-link fencing and secured gates equipped with panic hardware. Covered walkways will connect the main campus to the portables, with the exception of the designated fire lane to maintain emergency access. All classroom exterior doors are lockable, and each space is equipped with controllable heating and air conditioning for comfort and safety. Additional safety features include emergency phones, a full fire alarm system, exterior security cameras along walkways, and a public address system integrated with the main campus. Restroom access will remain inside the main campus to further support security and supervision.

Construction Safety

• All construction workers will have proper background checks and badges.
• The construction site will be secured with fencing, privacy screens, and locked gates between construction and student areas. Only on-site Lee Lewis construction staff can unlock gates.
• An 8’-0” secure fence will surround student portable buildings, with no access to the construction zone and controlled entry points.
• Temporary walls inside the building will separate construction areas from student areas.
• The construction team will meet weekly with school leadership to plan around important events.
• Lee Lewis staff will perform daily safety checks around the campus and fix any issues immediately.
• Clear signs will direct both construction and public traffic.
• Construction workers will enter from a separate area away from student drop-off and will park inside the construction zone.
• COMPLETE SEPARATION between students/staff and construction workers will be maintained AT ALL TIMES.

Traffic Management Fall 2026

There will be new temporary parking areas, bus pickup/drop-off, and parent pickup/drop-off area. North parking lot closed due to underground utility work; opens back up spring 2027.

 Athletics: Temporary Adjustments for 2026-2027

Due to construction, several athletic facilities will be unavailable on campus, and certain athletics will be moved off-site to nearby sites.

• Unavailable – Track and field and tennis court
• Available – Competition and practice gyms 

Football, soccer, track and tennis games will be at Pearce. 

Ongoing coordination and more information to be shared during an upcoming athletic parent meeting.

Volleyball and Basketball will be at North Middle School gyms. 

Upcoming Meetings:

• Athletic Parent Meeting – Beginning of August from 6 p.m. – 7 p.m.
• Parent Meeting #2 – Beginning of August from 6 p.m. – 7 p.m.

Our top priority is to ensure a safe and smooth experience for all students and staff. This is the first in a series of meetings, and we are committed to keeping you informed throughout this process. Updates can be found on our construction planning webpage and the Bond 2025 website.

Thank you for your continued support of North Junior High and Richardson ISD.