Summer Work, Lasting Impact: Systemwide Capital Improvements

     While our classrooms may be quiet this summer, the dollars of Gwinnett County taxpayers are hard at work supporting school facility improvement projects that are funded by the Education Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (E-SPLOST).

     E-SPLOST is the 1% sales tax on all purchases made in Gwinnett County, and serves as the primary revenue source for our district’s capital plan. E-SPLOST funds capital facility improvements such as new schools, additions, safety enhancements, and facility infrastructure renewal.

     During summer break, our GCPS construction and maintenance teams take full advantage of the opportunity to complete planned improvement projects without the potential for disruption to the learning environment. In addition to the replacement of HVAC systems, roofing, carpet, and fresh paint at several schools, this summer will be exceptionally exciting as GCPS puts finishing touches on our new Murphy Middle School, and our addition to Harbins Elementary School, in preparation for the arrival of students in August. We will also be continuing the work, now underway, on construction projects at the Gwinnett School of Mathematics, Science, and Technology (GSMST) and Shiloh Middle School, both opening in August 2027. Read on for more details!

Murphy Middle School – New Construction

• The new 209,275-square-foot campus is designed to foster collaboration, ensure security and safety, and drive student engagement.
• The facility features a one-story shared learning area that houses the gymnasium, cafeteria, media center, fine arts programs, Special Education spaces, and labs.
• A connected three-story classroom tower is organized by grade level and includes collaborative learning spaces on each floor.
• The media center offers collaborative spaces to encourage student interaction and teamwork.
• Safety enhancements include secured bus lanes behind the school to support controlled visitor access through the main entrance, and a School Resource Officer office with 270-degree visibility of the front parking lot, the school’s main entrance, and the high-traffic entryway corridor.

Harbins Elementary School - Addition

• The 42,364-square-foot addition is designed to expand learning opportunities and support ongoing student growth.
• The addition will feature 14 classrooms, computer labs, Special Education classrooms, an early language lab, an interdisciplinary lab, and collaborative learning spaces.
• The design intends to optimize natural light throughout the addition, to create welcoming student learning environments.

Gwinnett School of Mathematics, Science, and Technology (GSMST) – 4th Floor Buildout and Auditorium

• Construction of a 29,337-square-foot multi-purpose auditorium will begin late this summer. The auditorium will host orchestra performances and will provide a space for district robotics competitions. This new auditorium will open in school year 2027-28.
• A 27,657-square-foot buildout of the 4th floor of GSMST is also underway, designed to add space for over 1,300 students and along with a multidisciplinary lab, a computer science lab with two adjoining classrooms, an entrepreneurship classroom, and collaborative learning spaces.
• The fourth-floor buildout project is scheduled for completion in August 2027.

Shiloh Middle School – Addition and Renovations

• A 26,395-square-foot addition and renovation will expand the school’s capacity. The project features new band, orchestra, and choral rooms, a chemistry lab, a MIDI lab for Apple-based music production, and a PE activity room.
• Renovations include CTAE labs, 18 science classrooms, and additional interior learning spaces across the campus.
• HVAC system renewal will be performed at the same time as the construction of the addition, to minimize disruption to the school environment.
• The project is scheduled for completion in August 2027, in preparation for the start of the 2027–28 school year.