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.
The project at New Berlin's Junior/Senior High School provides modern facilities for all grade levels in the district to learn and grow. The additions and renovations aim to reorganize and enhance core educational spaces, creating a clear sense of place for both junior high and senior high school students. While different grade levels have age-appropriate spaces, shared areas are centrally located for easy access.
Despite challenges such as rocky terrain and limited usable acreage, the district proceeded, with the new school designed to replace an aging building, which would be repurposed for early childhood education and storage.
The district spent four years working with the community and staff to plan for an expansion and renovation with the goal of meeting the needs of growing enrollment and providing future-focused learning opportunities to students.