Grand Island School Board Approved Middle School Expansion

The district has tapped engineering and design firms to lead a $10.5 million expansion of Westridge Middle School.

Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Secondary Education

Bold vector editorial illustration of a modern school facade, representing the infrastructure expansion for Westridge Middle School. — The Grand Island Board of Education approved a $10.5 million expansion for Westridge Middle School, funded through existing district reserve accounts. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The Grand Island Public Schools Board of Education has officially approved the firms tasked with expanding Westridge Middle School. The $10.5 million project will be financed through existing district funds rather than a new bond vote.

Why it matters

The expansion addresses the growing needs of the school, which currently serves over 690 students and employs more than 80 staff members. The building was originally designed in 2008 with future expansion capabilities in mind.

The expansion will feature new classroom space, an enlarged cafeteria, and updated offices, with CMBA Architects and Engineering Technologies, Inc. contracted for the work. CMBA Architects will receive 5.04 percent of project costs, while Engineering Technologies, Inc. will earn 6.25 percent of the $3.15 million mechanical budget.

The players

Grand Island Public Schools Board of Education

This local governing body is responsible for overseeing the educational policies and capital projects for students and staff within the Grand Island district.

CMBA Architects

This firm has been selected to serve as the lead architect for the upcoming middle school renovation.

Engineering Technologies, Inc.

This firm was appointed to provide mechanical engineering services for the infrastructure improvements at the school.

The details

The project intends to improve infrastructure by adding a secure entry vestibule alongside the new academic and administrative facilities. Funding is secured through district reserves, allowing the upgrades to proceed without seeking additional taxpayer approval.

The original bond issue for the school site passed in 2005.
Westridge Middle School opened its doors to students in January 2008.
The Board of Education approved the project firms on October 8, 2026.

Culture Shift

This project reflects a long-term strategy of designing modular school facilities that can grow alongside rising student enrollment figures. The decision to fund this entirely through existing district reserves marks a pivot away from the traditional reliance on new public bond elections.

The construction will provide students with improved classroom facilities and a larger cafeteria to accommodate the current population of over 690 pupils. Residents will not face a new bond tax, as the project is fully funded by the district's existing capital budget.

The takeaway

The project serves as a reminder that proper initial planning can save districts significant costs and time during future expansions. Homeowners in the district should note that these upgrades proceed without any changes to local property tax rates.