In 2018, voters approved a $619.7 million bond to fund improvements for Salem-Keizer schools. Today, supporters of Judson Middle School, including local officials, school board members, community supporters and school staff, gathered to celebrate the ground breaking of one of the first five schools planned to begin construction under the 2018 bond program.

Judson is the fourth school planned for construction under the 2018 bond program—after North Salem High School, Gubser Elementary School and McNary High School respectively. Judson will receive a cafeteria expansion, three new classrooms, four new science labs and a multipurpose fitness room. The school will also receive seismic improvements, library improvements, increased visibility of the main entry from the front office and much more.

“As construction continues at the first five schools, we are getting more and more eager to see these wonderful changes implemented in our district,” said Superintendent Christy Perry. “Thanks to the withstanding support and patience of our community, Salem-Keizer schools will see substantial improvements necessary to better help our students prepare for graduation and college and career readiness.”

Though operations will be very different during construction, commitment to student safety and success remains the highest priority.

For more information on future groundbreakings, the status of a bond project or other projects funded by the 2018 bond program, please visit the Bond Program page on the district website.

Watch the full video of the groundbreaking, including speeches by Judson students Kathy, Raphael and Gabby, on the Salem-Keizer Public Schools Facebook page.