Avon Lake City Schools' 5-8 Middle School Groundbreaking

The groundbreaking ceremony for the new Avon Lake 5-8 Middle School marked the official beginning of the construction phase of the 128,000 SF educational facility that is slated to open for the 2028-2029 school year. The occasion was covered by the local press as students, civic leaders, public safety officials, and educators celebrated the significant milestone for the Avon Lake community.

Avon Lake City Schools' 5-8 Middle School Groundbreaking

Avon Lake City Schools commemorated the start of construction of its new 5-8 middle school with a groundbreaking ceremony at the future site, Learwood Middle School. ThenDesign Architecture partnered with Greenspace Construction Services to celebrate the significant milestone in the “Building ALegacy” facilities improvement plan, which was attended by over 100 community members, including civic leaders, educators, public safety officials, students, and the local press.

Superintendent Joelle Magyar said, “The concept of building ALegacy demonstrates our work together, and the physical structure itself, for which we are here to break ground. When completed, this brand-new, state-of-the-art building will serve the needs of a modern Avon Lake student, providing a universal and collaborative environment where all can thrive.”

“The community is honored and blessed to be here for this groundbreaking of Avon Lake’s New Middle School,” said Avon Lake Mayor Mark Spaetzel. “We are truly a community that values our schools and understands the importance of collaboration and school-city relationships.”

The project has been a true collaboration with the school district, city, and Avon Lake community.

"What better legacy could we leave for our children?"

Joelle Magyar

Superintendent

A Groundbreaking Milestone

The design process for the new 5-8 middle school included visioning sessions to gain insight and learn the preferences of educators and students. The groundbreaking ceremony officially starts the construction phase of the project.

School Board President James Strobe acknowledged the efforts of the community to make the project possible by the passage of the bond issue and the continued participation in design activities. He said, “Your engagement helped shape this project, and it ensured that it reflects the values and the priorities of this community. We’re proud that the Avon Lake community doesn’t give up on doing what’s right for kids, and we can’t wait to see the incredible things our students will do in this brand new building.”

Special guests at the groundbreaking ceremony included students who will attend the new school after it is completed. “It’s always going to be fun going to a new school and meeting new friends,” said Stephen, a fourth grader.

Cameron is another fourth grader who is looking forward to the transition to a new school. “It will be nice because I can meet more friends. There’s going to be lower grades than mine. It’s going to be easier to learn since it’s going to be way bigger.”

Mila is in the second grade and is excited about sports at the new school, especially basketball, soccer, and softball. She added, “And I can’t wait to meet all the teachers.”

The project was funded by a community-supported $88 million bond issue that passed in May 2025. The construction of the new 128,000 SF facility will consolidate Troy Intermediate and Learwood Middle School into a single campus serving students in fifth through eighth grades. By replacing the aging infrastructure with student-centered environments, the building is designed to enhance collaborative learning and modernize the district’s student experience.

The new middle school is slated to open for the 2028–2029 school year.

"This building will stand for decades and will be a symbol of the strength and growth of our community."

Mark Spaetzel

Mayor of Avon Lake