Bond Construction Update: January 2026

WHAT’S HAPPENING NOW:

• Construction continues to make steady progress at Oak Park Elementary. The CMU (cinder block) walls are now complete, and roofing crews are currently installing the roof. This phase of work is expected to continue through most of February.
• Once the roof and remaining exterior walls are finished and the building is fully enclosed, crews will begin interior work, including electrical systems and interior finishes. We are excited to see the project move into this next phase of construction!

• There was a slight delay in pouring the foundation at Pecan Park due to weather conditions. The concrete slab has now been completed, and masonry crews have begun laying CMU blocks for both the interior and exterior walls.
• The contractor plans to make up for weather delays by adding additional personnel to accelerate the wall construction. Cooler temperatures can impact masonry work, as temperatures must remain above 40 degrees for brick and block installation. We are hopeful for improved weather conditions and anticipate full crews returning to the site this week.
• Weather permitting, most of the CMU block work is expected to be completed by the end of February. We are encouraged by the continued progress as these new facilities take shape for our students and staff.

• The architect has submitted the original concept plans approved by the Board of Trustees to the engineering team. Engineers are now working alongside the architect to develop the full construction drawings for the new Ocean Springs Middle School.
• Once the blueprints are completed, the BOT and district leadership team will review and approve the final plans. After approval, the project will be released for competitive bidding.
• We anticipate this phase of the process will take approximately three to four months. We will continue to provide updates as the design timeline progresses and more information becomes available regarding the completion of the construction drawings for the new middle school.

• The appeal application for the new elementary school boundary lines will open this week and will be available on the district website. Each request will be reviewed and approved or denied by the BOT.
• Families will begin receiving notification of appeal decisions no earlier than Wednesday, March 11, 2026.
• Please understand that while there may be extenuating circumstances that result in an approved appeal, the district intends to adhere to the new boundaries as closely as possible in order to maintain balanced enrollment and ensure high-quality learning environments for all students.
• OSSD employees whose K-4 children attend OSSD but live out of district will need to complete an appeal application. This will replace the normal out of district form completed each year.

WHAT’S COMING NEXT:

• Plans and designs for new OSMS will be finalized and approved. Public bidding for construction of the new school will take place.
• Interior work is expected to begin at Oak Park Elementary.
• Walls and roof is expected to be completed at Pecan Park Elementary.

• Building additions at Oak Park and Pecan Park will be completed.
• All three elementary schools will shift to K-4, OSUE will shift to 5-6.
• Teachers will begin moving into their new classrooms/schools.

• Construction will begin on the new Ocean Springs Middle School.

• Construction of the new Ocean Springs Middle School is expected to be complete.
• OSUE will move to the site of the old OSMS, and OSMS will move into the new school located on the site of the old OSUE campus.