MMSD to rebuild Anana, Crestwood elementary schools

The Madison Metropolitan School District plans to rebuild Milele Chikasa Anana Elementary School and Crestwood Elementary School as part of Phase 3 of its 2024 facilities referendum, replacing earlier plans to renovate both buildings. The new construction will extend the schools’ expected useful life from about 25 years under the renovation plans to 70 years without increasing the referendum’s total cost, according ot a press release from MMSD. The district plans to use interest earnings from referendum funds to cover the additional expense. The proposal was presented to the Board of Education’s Operations Work Group as planning revealed more extensive needs at both schools, including additional programming space, major plumbing and stormwater system replacements, improved accessibility and other building upgrades. “At both schools, we’ve identified needs that go beyond the original renovation plans and expand accessibility, programming opportunity, sustainability and community spaces,