• Ida B. Wells Modernization Planning & Design

  • Stay Informed
    The next Ida B. Wells CPC meeting is on Wed. Dec. 6th at 6p.m. in the library.

    You’re invited to the Ida B. Wells Modernization Design Workshop #2
    Sunday, December 17th,  1pm- 3pm 
    in the Ida B. Wells Cafeteria  (Lite lunch at 12:30!)

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    View the District Education Specifications for Comprehensive High Schools (Ed Specs)

    Ida B Wells Modernization Project History - Conceptual Master Planning in 2019 

    In late 2019, after a series of public meetings over a four-month period, a Ida B Wells High School Conceptual Master Plan was completed as part of the planning effort for the 2020 Bond. The work was done through a Conceptual Master Planning Committee (CMPC), a group of school and community stakeholder representatives who worked together to help provide feedback for the Ida B Wells Conceptual Master Plan.  The conceptual master planning process helped determine each school’s overall program needs, site layout, and more accurately determine the cost estimates for historic modernization vs. the rebuilding of that school and helped PPS in the planning of future capital improvement bonds.

    This conceptual plan will be used as the starting point for the new Ida B Wells Comprehensive Plan, but the new Comprehensive Planning Committee (CPC) will not be restricted by those plans.

  • View the Wilson CMPC Report

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    View the Wilson CMCP Report (Jan 2020)
    View the CMCP Report Appendices

    Note - When the CMPC was developed in 2019 the school was still named Wilson High School. All the following documents will reflect that fact.

    View the Wilson CMPC Overview Info-graphic

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    What Is Conceptual Master Planning?
    The conceptual master planning process will determine each school’s overall program needs, site layout, and more accurately determine the cost estimates for historic modernization vs. the rebuilding of that school. This conceptual planning information will help PPS in the planning of future capital improvement bonds.

    What Is Modernization?
    Modernization will completely reconfigure and update learning spaces with a focus on indoor environmental quality, sustainability and historic preservation. Full modernizations retain the historic character of the school while bringing those buildings up to code and concurrently creating a more modern learning environment. In the case of Wilson, it may be determined that a partial or complete rebuild might be the best approach. This decision will be determined during conceptual master planning.

    This is considered the most cost-effective, sustainable way to improve Wilson, due to age, condition and historic significance.

    View the District Education Specifications for Comprehensive High Schools (Ed Specs)

  • What Is Modernization?
    Modernization will completely reconfigure and update learning spaces with a focus on indoor environmental quality, sustainability and historic preservation. Full modernizations retain the historical character of the school while bringing those buildings up to code and concurrently creating a more modern learning environment. In the case of Ida B. Wells, it may be determined that a partial or complete rebuild might be the best approach. This decision will be determined during conceptual master planning.

  • Ida B. Wells Modernization Design Team

    Bora Architecture has deep K-12 experience and a strong history of successful projects with PPS, including Faubion PK-8 and the rebuilt Lincoln High School. They are also a national leader in the design of performing arts spaces.

    Thank you voters

    Thank you voters for supporting the 2012, 2017 and 2020 Bonds. The Office of School Modernization is continuing the important work of rebuilding our aging schools, making them all safer, more sustainable and better equipped for 21st century learning.

  • Ida B. Wells Modernization Timeline

    Planning and Design is set to begin in early fall of 2023 with the development of an Ida B. Wells Comprehensive Plan. The Planning and Design phase will continue over the next two years.

    The 2020 Bond Program does not include funding to complete construction for the Cleveland High School and Ida B. Wells High School modernization projects. Money for the construction of those schools would need to come from a future school improvement bond.  

    Until that happens, there is no schedule for future construction. The timing of a future bond and what projects are included in it are decisions made by the PPS School Board.