This April, Murray residents will begin to see the impact of the $125 million general obligation bond they approved in November 2024.

Construction will start on the new Riverview school on the campus of the current junior high. 

“They’re going to start moving dirt on the play field that’s there mid-April,” Doug Perry said, Murray School District spokesman. “Construction for the high school will begin in June.”

In addition to the Riverview rebuild, Murray High will undergo an expansion which includes a new classroom wing and a secure entrance. The district is working closely with VCBO Architecture and Hogan Construction on the plans.

Approximately $90 million of the bond will go toward rebuilding Riverview, bringing modern technology, updated wiring and new learning spaces to the facility. The project will be handled by Naylor, Wentworth, Lund Architects, with Hughes leading the construction.

Both the new Riverview school and the expanded Murray High are projected to be ready for students by the fall of 2027.

Along with the opening of these new projects, the district also will undergo a grade reconfiguration. Sixth-graders will move into Riverview, which will be transformed into a middle school, while about 500 ninth-graders will transition to high school. This change was unanimously approved by the Murray School Board last spring.

Murray School District Superintendent Jennifer Covington and Murray Board of Education President Jaren Cooper expressed their gratitude after the bond passed: “We are deeply thankful to voters for partnering with the district to support future generations. Your investment in our schools is an investment in our children’s future, and we are committed to using these funds responsibly and transparently.”

Perry noted the community has responded positively to the bond.

“It was a positive dialog in the community, very favorable to passing the bond,” he said. “We’re excited to usher in this new era of one and a half new schools and the grade reconfiguration that will give opportunities for our kids.”

To stay updated on the projects, go to the district’s website: www.murrayschools.org/bond-information. λ