Woodland students want their new school to feel like an enchanted forest, where architectural design mirrors the beauty of nature.
That vision of staff and students was put to paper and seen by the public for the first time this week. Assistant Superintendent of Operations Johnny Edwards presented the conceptual designs to the Board of Education Monday, June 10. Woodland will be the third elementary school rebuilt with the generous support of our community.
Based on feedback from staff and students at Woodland, the new building will maximize the views and protections of the existing mature treeline. The color palette will use natural wood tones and both light and dark to evoke the theme of an enchanted forest.
The drivers of design for Woodland included community integrity and accessibility, indoor-outdoor connectivity, and sensory and calm retreats.
In the fall, the District will unveil more detailed renderings to the school community and those living nearby at a Gallery Walk.
Also constructed with funds from the 2021 Bond, the new Central and Haverhill elementary schools are expected to open in fall 2025. A few months prior, the District will hold a groundbreaking ceremony for the new Woodland school and demo the old building. During construction of the new Woodland, students will be housed at the original Haverhill building.
The new Woodland school is expected to open in fall 2027.
Scroll below to see the preliminary design renderings and follow along with construction updates at portagebond.com.
