Huntsville City Schools marks first year of 10-year, $600M capital plan

HUNTSVILLE — As Huntsville City Schools leaders prepare for a new school year, the district has marked the first year of its 10-year, $600 million capital plan.

Approved by the Board of Education in May 2024, the plan has moved from concept to reality with projects taking shape in all five feeder patterns across the city.

“We are thrilled to see our capital plan coming to life,” said Superintendent Dr. Clarence Sutton. “In just one year, we are already seeing tangible progress that’s enhancing learning environments and supporting students across our district.”

Projects completed or nearing completion:

• Central Office & Huntsville Center for Technology
  The most visible hallmark of the early Capital Plan work is the completion of the district’s central office and career tech center, known as the Huntsville Center for Technology. At North Memorial Parkway and Max Luther Drive, the new facility offers state-of-the-art resources for district leadership and students pursuing career tech pathways.
• Columbia Innovation Center
  Another major project reaching completion is the Columbia Innovation Center, which will provide expanded STEM, technology, and innovation opportunities for students.
• Athletic upgrades
  Student athletes at Lee and Huntsville high schools are competing on new turf baseball and softball fields.

Projects underway:

• Classroom additions
  Construction is underway for classroom additions at Goldsmith-Schiffman Elementary and Hampton Cove Middle schools, providing more capacity to accommodate growing student populations.
• Removal of pod gyms
  Obsolete pod-style gymnasiums are being removed to make way for modern spaces that better meet students’ physical education needs.
• Cafeterias expansion
  Work is in progress to expand the cafeterias at Grissom and Columbia high schools, ensuring these campuses can better serve their student bodies during meal times.

Upcoming projects:

• McNair Junior High School addition
  A wing at McNair Junior High School is scheduled for completion ahead of the 2026-2027 school year, allowing the school to welcome sixth-grade students for the first time.
• Athletic field enhancements
  Installation of turf baseball and softball fields at Jemison, Columbia, and Grissom High Schools will occur during this upcoming school year.
• JROTC Training Center
  At Columbia High School, work is beginning on a JROTC Training Center, providing enhanced space for leadership and physical training.
• Chapman campus redevelopment
  Construction will begin on a Chapman Middle and magnet middle school and at the Chapman campus, continuing the district’s commitment to enhancing magnet programs.
• Montview campus redevelopment
  Plans are advancing for the development of a new Montview Elementary School along with a magnet elementary school, both to be located on the existing Montview campus.