Aki Kurose Middle Project

Construction is now underway for the modernization and addition project at Aki Kurose Middle School with a ceremonial groundbreaking ceremony on June 22.

Project partners from Lydig Construction, Integrus Architects, and SOJ joined Aki Kurose Principal Daniel Reeve and Executive Director of Capital Projects Richard Best as well as Vince Gonzales, senior project manager, Caine Lowery, former Aki Kurose Principal, Regional Executive Director of Schools Katrina Hunt, and members of the School Design Advisory Team.

The project will take two years and is expected to open in September 2028 with capacity for up to 1,000 students in grades 6-8. The construction budget is $155.5 million. During the project, approximately 25,000 square feet of the existing school will be demolished. A new 65,000-square-foot classroom wing will be added, and 145,000 square feet of the existing building will be modernized.

“This marks the next step in ensuring that Aki Kurose Middle School students have a building that supports a 21st century learning model,” said Best. “After extensive engagement with the school community, the upgraded and expanded school meets the needs of students now and is adaptable for the future.”

The project design includes a new entry plaza and secure entry on South Graham Street just east of the current entry. The new entrance will serve as a hub, connecting the main administration office, family engagement center, community partner spaces, the relocated library, and the student commons and courtyard.

“Thank you to everyone who got us to this point,” said Principal Reeve. “In two years, we will welcome students back into a building that has been designed to support not only academic success but is also a beautiful reflection of our school community.”

Planning began in 2023 and included a School Design Advisory Team made up of school staff, parents, and students, as well as themed “Community Cafes” to gather feedback from the school community.

“I appreciate the responsiveness to the community’s request for deeper engagement,” said Lowery, who served as the school leader during most of the planning period. “In the end, I think nearly 1,000 people from the school and the surrounding community helped shape this project.”

Aki Kurose Middle School will be located at the Van Asselt School Interim Site for the next two school years.

This project is funded by two voter-approved Building Excellence (BEX) Capital Levies—2019’s BEX V and 2026’s BEX VI. About the Aki Kurose project.