As a component of the April 2019 referendum, Hixson Middle School was to be expanded so that it could receive the school district’s sixth grade students after another district facility transitioned from a single grade and specialty school to a K-5 elementary school. The current middle school, originally opened in 1955, would require both renovations and building additions to accommodate the increase in student population.
It was determined that a new, classroom wing would be required so that the Hixson Middle School could provide appropriate educational space for grades 6, 7, and 8. The new two-story academic wing allowed the school to be configured in three independent “grade-level houses” that would support middle school curriculum. A new multi-purpose gymnasium that also serves as a storm shelter for the building’s occupants was incorporated into the design of the new addition. Several other building additions were added to support the increased population and student needs. They include a new music wing, girl’s locker room, and expansion of the existing student cafeteria. The main building entrance and administrative office moved from the north side of the building to the south side. This modification provided better student access and improved security.
The previous library was replaced with a new library / media center that now complies with the space requirements recommended by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. Merged in one new addition, this wing has become the new main entrance to Hixson Middle School.
Facing the challenges of growing Pre-K programs and efforts to reorganize elementary schools, Richland County CUSD #1 found the construction of an early learning center was the answer they were searching for.
Built in 1924, South Side Elementary is the oldest elementary facility in the Champaign School District. The original facility was designed during a time when children would walk to and from school, and aside from technological upgrades, few changes had been made to modernize the building since its original construction.
In 2021, voters approved a $35 million dollar referendum, called, “Safe Schools, Safe Kids.” Bierbaum required building additions and interior modifications to accommodate their increasing enrollment, and enhance safety and security measures.