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Madison’s Sennett and Cherokee Heights middle schools begin construction
The Madison school district broke ground Wednesday on replacement buildings for Sennett and Cherokee Heights, with both projects expected to open in the 2028-29 school year. The all-electric schools are part of a voter-approved facilities plan and are designed to cut embodied carbon by 15%.
The Madison Metropolitan School District broke ground Wednesday, Oct. 14, on new buildings for Ray F. Sennett Middle School and Cherokee Heights Middle School, projects expected to be ready for students in the 2028-29 school year.
The construction is funded through the district’s 2024 facilities referendum. Sennett’s planned building will cover 137,000 square feet; Cherokee Heights’ will be 148,000 square feet.
Both schools were named 2026 Dane County Climate Champions. The district says their designs reduce embodied carbon—the emissions associated with building materials and construction—by 15%. The buildings will be all-electric and use geothermal systems for heating and cooling.
Sennett Principal Jeffrey Copeland said the new spaces are intended to expand opportunities for students to learn together and explore their interests. Cherokee Heights Principal Roberto Moreno said the building is designed to foster connection, creativity and academic growth while strengthening students’ sense of belonging.
Vogel Bros. Building Co. is construction manager for both projects. The district says the work remains on schedule and within budget.