[WATCH THE FULL GROUND BREAKING HERE]
Optimism and excitement filled the air Wednesday as the Murray City School District officially broke ground on a significant new addition to Murray High School. The ceremony, held in the main plaza where the new wing will take shape, marked a pivotal moment for the district, promising enhanced educational opportunities for ninth grade students who will be moving to the high school beginning the fall of 2027.
Superintendent Jennifer Covington and Board of Education Chair Kelly Taeoalii delivered remarks at the brief but impactful ceremony, emphasizing the importance of community investment in education. They were joined by a host of administrators, dedicated educators, esteemed community dignitaries, and valued community partners, all of whom participated in a ceremonial shovel turn, symbolizing the collective effort behind this ambitious project.
The new classroom wing at Murray High School is a cornerstone of the $125 million general obligation bond, overwhelmingly approved by Murray residents in November 2024. Of this bond, $35 million is specifically allocated for the high school addition and crucial security enhancements. This project is a direct response to the district’s decision to transition all ninth-grade students to the high school, a move designed to expand curricular options and provide advanced opportunities that were previously challenging to access in junior high settings. The new wing will seamlessly integrate into the existing campus, featuring a newly configured main entrance with a secure vestibule to enhance safety and provide a single entry point for visitors.
The comprehensive plan for this expansion is the result of active collaboration between the Murray City School District, VCBO Architects, Hogan Construction, and BDK (the District’s representative). The project timeline has been meticulously laid out, with construction documents finalized in January 2025 and bids secured in March 2025. Construction is officially slated to begin this month, June 2025.
The district anticipates the new building will be completed by the spring/summer of 2027, with students eagerly moving into the state-of-the-art spaces for the 2027-2028 school year. This addition not only addresses the need for increased space due to grade reconfiguration but also reinforces Murray City School District’s unwavering commitment to providing its students with the best possible educational facilities, ensuring they are well-equipped to thrive in a rapidly evolving world.
This groundbreaking represents not just the start of a construction project, but the physical manifestation of the Murray community’s dedication to its youth and a collective vision for a brighter educational future.
For more information on the bond projects, please visit the Murray City School District Bond Information page.
