PROJECTS
WMS Modernization
The Need
In addition to core infrastructure needs (roofing and HVAC) covered in the 2022 Bond funds ($5.3 million), the Bond Oversight Committee approved additional funds to enhance the learning environment of Windsor Middle through a renovation. This renovation will bring the school closer to the updated standards that currently exist at Severance Middle School and Ridgeline Middle School, ensuring learning environment equity at our middle school level for the next 10 to 15 years.
The Process
In October 2024, the Weld RE-4 School District solicited applications for the WMS Modernization Committee in the local newspaper and through our newsletters, emails, social media, and our website. Ultimately, more than 25 members — staff, parents, and community members — collaborated to understand the building, student and staff needs, and provide input on modernization, honoring the building’s history and modernizing it for the next generation of students.
The Committee met five times, evaluating features at Ridgeline Middle and Severance Middle, working with architects and contractors to understand the possibilities, and obtaining perspectives from students and staff, including the Windsor Middle Student Council and the Instructional Leadership Team. The group worked to build consensus on a series of concepts, which were presented to the public for feedback on November 14, 2024. This important public input was incorporated into the final recommendation.
Highlights
At the December 2024 Board of Education meeting, the Board affirmed the WMS Modernization Committee's recommendations:
Renovate the existing building, utilizing $10 million of 2022 Bond program contingency funds, in addition to the $5.3 million allocated in the bond for roofing and HVAC replacement
Apply for a BEST grant, which if awarded, would match funds and extend renovation efforts
Location
Impact
Enhancement of the learning environment, bringing the school closer to the updated standards that currently exist at RMS and SMS
Improve the safety of the school by demolishing the closed portion of the building
Est. Costs
$5.3 million initially allocated in the 2022 Bond (roofing and HVAC)
$10 million additional funds allocated by the Bond Oversight Committee
Matching funds pending the award of the Building Excellent Schools Today (BEST) Grant
Est. Timeline
Construction Start: Fall 2024
Completion Date: Fall 2026
Status
BEST Grant application submitted, pending decision
Design underway
Architect: Huckabee
CMCG: Adolfson & Peterson Construction
FAQs
Q: Why is a portion of the Windsor Middle building closed?
The original portion of the building from the early 1900s — more than 30,000 square feet — was closed by the Board of Education due to accessibility, maintenance, and HVAC challenges. Asbestos was also identified in this portion of the building, and it was sealed and is currently regularly tested as a result. Asbestos tests are conducted every six months by staff and every three years by a third party to ensure the safety of students and staff in the remaining structure.
Q: Why did the WMS Modernization Committee recommend the closed portion of the building be demolished?
The closed portion of the building is exhibiting signs of significant deterioration, posing serious safety concerns regarding its structural integrity.
Q: Can the closed portion of the building be remediated and restored?
Restoration of the building is estimated to range from $19 million to $21 million. However, initial estimates presented to the WMS Modernization Committee for removal of the structure total $850,000. After careful consideration and review of community feedback, the Committee arrived at its final recommendation based on a multitude of factors, such as student and staff safety, risk mediation, and financial responsibility of the district.
Q: With Ridgeline Middle being built, can we close and sell the old Windsor Middle campus?
As of 2024, Windsor Middle School serves 764 students in a building intended for 700 students, and Severance Middle School serves 714 in a building capacity of 600, that, after the completion of the 2022 SMS Addition project in fall 2025, will have a 900-student capacity. Even with the addition of Ridgeline Middle School and the completion of the SMS Addition project, the closure of WMS would result in capacity issues, leaving little room for future growth.