By 2028, Irene Reither Elementary (IRE) School is projected to have more than 1,000 students. The current Irene Reither Elementary, former Ten Mile Building known as Building B, and added portables have a combined student capacity of 726. Currently, over 750 students attend IRE.
The Facilities Task Force spent time researching and discussing this dilemma. Recognizing the need for a new middle school due to its condition and future overcrowding, the task force recommended that Meridian Middle School be rebuilt as a 5-8 school.
This solution will help to alleviate overcrowding at Irene Reither Elementary by moving about 160 students to a newly built middle school. The middle school would be purpose-built to welcome fifth graders, with input from parents, staff, students and our community.
Adding capacity at Meridian Middle School is more cost-effective than building a new elementary school. The task force was thoughtful in their recommendation to address two problems: the need for a new middle school and the overcrowding concerns at Irene Reither Elementary. These videos dive more into these topics.
More information is available on our website.
Videos:
Why build new instead of remodel? (Video – 1:40)
How would a 5-8 school work? (Video – 0:52)
5-8 Recommendation Explained (Video – 3:55)