When it comes to shaping the future of education, school districts are often faced with a complex and critical question: Is it time to build new, or can we breathe new life into existing facilities?

At Schmidt Associates, we understand every school building tells a story—of the students who learn within its walls, the educators who inspire in its classrooms, and the communities that surround and support it. Choosing whether to build new or revitalize isn’t just a facility decision. It’s a financial, educational, and community decision that deserves thoughtful consideration and strategic planning. We’re here to guide you through every step of that journey.

Understanding the Options: No One-Size-Fits-All Answer

Some districts come to us with a clear vision. Others are still exploring what’s possible. In either case, our role is to be a trusted partner, helping to uncover the most responsible and community-focused path forward.

“Our job isn’t to push a vision—it’s to listen, understand, and help school districts find their best path forward,” said Anna Marie Burrell, principal in charge and K–12 studio leader at Schmidt Associates. “Every community is different. Our commitment is to design with heart, insight, and purpose—always putting the district’s needs and the voices of students, staff, and families at the center of every decision.”

Whether that solution is renovation, new construction, or a combination of both, we approach each project with integrity and collaboration—because at the end of the day, it’s about building environments where students can thrive.

Facility Assessments That Drive Smart Decisions

Sometimes, the decision to renovate or build new isn’t incredibly obvious, and that’s where a thorough facility assessment can make all the difference.

We evaluate everything from site conditions and building envelopes to interior finishes and building performance. Our weighted scoring system translates technical findings into clear, actionable insights to support data-driven decision-making. But the numbers are only part of the picture. We also listen deeply to understand how each facility supports the people and programs it serves.

That combination of insight and empathy is what sets our process apart. Let’s explore two real-world examples—one where revitalization was the best path and another where new construction was the right choice.

Case Study: Revitalization That Reaches Every Student

When Tipton Community Schools set out to improve its single K–12 campus, budget limitations meant a new facility wasn’t an option. But that didn’t mean a transformative solution was out of reach.

With a $25 million construction budget, Tipton Community Schools and Schmidt Associates collaborated to modernize five distinct areas: the elementary school, middle school, high school (in two projects), and outdoor athletic facilities. From safety upgrades like a new secure vestibule to expanded cafeteria spaces and a modernized media center, every dollar was thoughtfully and strategically distributed across the campus.

Rather than building a limited amount of new square footage, Tipton invested in strategic upgrades that enhanced the entire campus—maximizing impact across all grade levels. “The district did a really great job of distributing their budget across the whole facility,” said Jen Carroll, project manager at Schmidt Associates. “Instead of pouring resources into just one new space, they made sure every student saw the benefit of these improvements—no matter their age or where they were in the building.”

This smart, equitable investment brought Tipton into the 21st century while staying true to its roots, reinforcing the district’s commitment to providing modern, inclusive, and effective learning environments for all.

Case Study: When New Is the Right Choice

In other instances, the best path forward is clear: start fresh. The Madison Consolidated School District faced an urgent need for a dedicated early childhood education facility. Their previous site, the closed E.O. Muncie Elementary School, was too large, outdated, and not well-suited for preschool learning. The layout was inefficient, the facility had fallen into disrepair, and the cost to renovate would have exceeded the value it could provide.

Together, we began planning a new, purpose-built preschool, designed from the ground up with early learners in mind. The new facility will feature 23 classrooms, outdoor play areas, administration offices, and future-ready flexibility for potential kindergarten expansion—truly a space built to grow with the district’s needs.

In this case, starting fresh was not just the best option—it was the only option to ensure students had a safe, developmentally appropriate learning environment.

A Strategic Roadmap for Growth

Sometimes, the answer lies in between—balancing revitalization and new construction to support long-term growth and evolving educational needs. That was the case for MSD of Washington Township, where Schmidt Associates developed a campus master plan that helped pass a $250 million referendum—the largest in Indiana’s history at the time.

Over the course of a year, we collaborated with district leaders, staff, and community members to assess space utilization, site conditions, and long-term opportunities across multiple campuses. Using a live, data-driven tool to track facility needs and phased cost projections, we developed a clear roadmap aligned with educational goals for the next 20 to 30 years.

The plan prioritized:

• Renovating North Central High School for flexible, future-ready learning
• Building a new off-site middle school to support enrollment growth
• Relocating the on-site preschool to expand high school capacity
• Improving traffic flow by separating bus, student, and athletic access
• Phasing improvements to support short- and long-term goals

The result: a community-informed master plan designed to guide strategic investments and support student success for decades to come.

Your Partner Through Every Step

Every school district faces unique challenges, but no district should face them alone. At Schmidt Associates, we don’t just design buildings—we partner with schools and communities to create environments that inspire, support, and grow.

Whether your path leads to renovation, new construction, or a combination of both, we’re here to help you make the right decision for your students today—and for generations to come.

Curious about the best path for your district? Let’s start the conversation. Explore our K–12 expertise at schmidt-arch.com/k-12-studio