Project Case Study
Following an in-depth needs assessment, the bond addressed pressing upgrades across the district’s high school, middle school, and six elementary schools. Key improvements included:
- Enhanced safety and security features
- New and renovated academic spaces to relieve overcrowding
- A new early childhood learning center
- Upgraded building systems
- Improved parking and traffic flow
High School
Emporia High School enhanced STEM education with a new state-of-the-art 30,000-square-foot science department that includes a storm shelter.
Early Childhood
The new Jones Early Childhood Development Center is a transformational facility for students in their earliest years with USD 253.
Middle School
The bond also included a 45,000 square feet expansion to Emporia Middle School while renovating parts of the existing building.
Over the five-year construction timeline, McCownGordon successfully delivered nine Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) packages—all landing within 1% of the original budget. This disciplined approach ensured the district fulfilled its promises to voters.
To maintain transparency and trust, McCownGordon also presented monthly updates to the Board of Education, keeping the community informed on project milestones, budgets, and timelines every step of the way.
