MARTINSVILLE— The Metropolitan School District of Martinsville is moving ahead with plans to build a new elementary school, which is expected to open in the 2027-2028 school year. Construction will begin next summer on a site off Interstate 69, south of River Valley Christian Church.
The decision to build a new school is part of the district’s strategy to modernize its educational facilities and streamline operations. The new school will consolidate three to four existing elementary schools, addressing the rising maintenance costs and outdated infrastructure across the district’s seven elementary campuses.
District officials say the project aims to reduce long-term operational and maintenance expenses while providing students with more modern resources and learning environments. Additionally, the district plans to invest in upgrading its remaining elementary schools to ensure all students across the district have access to high-quality educational opportunities.
The construction project will be financed through the “Build-Operate-Transfer” model, which guarantees no increase in local tax rates. This approach, successfully utilized by municipalities and counties throughout Indiana, allows significant projects to proceed without placing an additional financial burden on residents.
Consolidating schools is expected to result in cost savings, which the district plans to reinvest into teacher salaries and the education fund. The changes are also anticipated to help improve enrollment and the district’s financial stability.
As part of the restructuring, adjustments to transportation, redistricting, and staffing will occur. The district believes these changes will benefit students and staff by providing more transportation services and balancing class sizes, fostering a more supportive learning environment.
In the fall, the district will announce which schools will be closed and details on transportation changes, redistricting, and the planned upgrades to remaining schools.
