TL;DR Summary

The School District of Howards Grove celebrated the ribbon-cutting of its new middle school on August 18, 2025. The project, funded by a $42.7 million referendum, replaced outdated facilities with a modern, flexible, and safe environment designed to support 21st-century learning. Community members, staff and partners, including C.D. Smith Construction and PRA Architects, gathered to honor the milestone. The new spaces feature upgraded music and performance areas, secure entries, flexible classrooms, and improved athletic facilities. Community open houses are scheduled for September 11 and 15.

District leaders, community members, and C.D. Smith Construction representatives cut the ribbon to celebrate the opening of the new Howards Grove Middle School.

Building for the Future: Howards Grove School District Celebrates Ribbon Cutting

Every ribbon cut marks more than the opening of a building. It marks the beginning of new opportunities for students, educators and an entire community.

On Monday, August 18, 2025, the School District of Howards Grove celebrated a milestone years in the making: the ribbon cutting of its brand-new middle school. Community members, students, staff and project partners filled the halls with excitement as the district marked the start of a new chapter in Wisconsin school construction.

A Moment Worth Celebrating

The evening opened with a performance of the National Anthem by the middle school choir, setting the stage for an emotional ceremony. District leaders, PRA Architects and C.D. Smith Construction joined the School Board to cut the ribbon and officially open the doors.

Howards Grove Middle School choir performs the National Anthem at the ribbon cutting celebration inside the new school building.

Among those in attendance from C.D. Smith were Senior Superintendent Dan Loehr, Senior Project Manager Mitch Kidd, Project Manager William Theisen and Assistant Operations Manager Anthony Grebe, a team who stood shoulder to shoulder with the district throughout the project.

“The little things we take for granted in other places, we don’t have to do that anymore,” shared Allyson Wasmer, music teacher and proud alum. “We didn’t have lockers for instruments. Now students have secure storage. It’s a big deal.”

VIDEO with Aug 18, 2025 Article Coverage from TMJ4 News

Community members, staff, and project partners gather in the new Howards Grove Middle School common area during the ribbon cutting ceremony.

The Vision Behind the Build

In April 2022, voters approved a $42.7 million referendum to replace aging facilities with safe, modern and connected spaces for learning. The goals were clear:

Replace the old middle school addition with one connected to the high school
Create flexible learning spaces with natural light and modern technology
Upgrade music and performance areas
Add secure entrances and improved safety systems
Renovate athletic fields and install a new playground

This wasn’t just a facilities project. It was a community’s commitment to giving every student a place to learn, grow and belong through an education construction initiative that reflects Wisconsin’s investment in future-ready schools.

Aug 19, 2025 Article Coverage from Sheboygan Press

Ribbon Cutting Highlights

C.D. Smith Project Manager William Theisen attends the Howards Grove Middle School ribbon cutting ceremony with community members.

The August 18 ceremony brought together voices from across the district and community:

A heartfelt welcome from Superintendent Shannon Kilton
Remarks from Board President Mike Stoeckigt, Principal Angie Houston and project partners
The symbolic ribbon cutting with students, staff, and community leaders

“Our new space is set up for flexibility in the classrooms for both the teachers and the students,” said Principal Angie Houston. “Not all students need the same thing to be a part of that learning environment.”

Follow project milestone updates on Beneath the Hard Hat® Press & Blog

Beneath the Hard Hat: A Construction Journey

C.D. Smith Project Manager William Theisen speaks to attendees at the Howards Grove Middle School ribbon cutting event in Wisconsin.

From groundbreaking in May 2024 to final inspections in July 2025, the project reflects a journey of collaboration and problem-solving.

Working alongside PRA Architects, school leaders and community stakeholders, C.D. Smith Construction delivered on the district’s vision while staying focused on safety, quality and schedule.

Explore monthly construction updates

What’s Next: Opening Doors to the Community

The ribbon cutting may be complete, but the celebration continues. The district invites the community to explore the new spaces at upcoming open houses:

Thursday, September 11 | 4:00–7:00 PM
Monday, September 15 | 3:30–6:00 PM

Final touches, including playground installation, trophy case displays and punch list items, will be ready for students as the school year begins.

Leaders and project partners at the Howards Grove Middle School ribbon cutting event celebrating the completion of the new facility.

More Than a Building

This project is about more than bricks and mortar. It’s about honoring the past, addressing today’s needs and investing in the future of Howards Grove students.

It's not just building a school. It's about a community coming together to build the support that makes it possible. We’re proud to have partnered with a community that puts students first, and we look forward to seeing these halls filled with curiosity, creativity and connection.

Discover more about K-12 and higher education construction projects.

Key Takeaways

🤝 Community Impact: The project reflects years of planning and collaboration, with strong support from voters and local stakeholders.

🚀 Education Construction Excellence: The new middle school offers a future-ready facility with flexible classrooms, natural light, secure entries, updated music areas and new athletic/playground spaces.

🏫 Student-Centered Design: C.D. Smith Construction and PRA Architects worked closely with district leaders to bring the vision to life.

✂️ Celebration & Connection: Ribbon cutting included performances, community participation, and recognition of leaders and partners.

📅 What’s Next: Community open houses will be held on September 11 and 15 to showcase the new school before the academic year begins.

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Date: August 22, 2025 | Author: Tracy Lisowe

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