A groundbreaking ceremony for the A.D. Wheat Middle School construction and renovation project is set for 2 p.m. Sunday, November 7 on the east end of the campus.

                The $47.2 million project led the proposed initiatives in the May 2021 bond referendum, which were approved by voters. Following completion in the summer of 2023, Wheat will serve all seventh and eighth graders in Cleburne ISD. Work will begin at the campus in late December, beginning with the construction of 20 additional classrooms along the northeast perimeter. Opening with the start of the 2023-24 school year, the campus will be expanded by 52,000 square feet to serve a capacity of 1,450 students.

                “We are very excited to host this groundbreaking ceremony, as it signals the start to what will be a transformation of Wheat Middle School,” Superintendent Dr. Kyle Heath said. “Those attending will get the first look at plans for the new main entrance to the school, along with details regarding the overall project.”

                “When the campus opened in 1991 as the new middle school, students, parents and teachers were very proud of the learning environment that had been created,” Heath said. “I believe that will happen all over again, as Wheat is transformed. From new classrooms and learning labs to expanded spaces for fine arts, Special Education and athletics, I think students and stakeholders alike will be proud of what has been accomplished.”

                Along with expanded academic classrooms, new additions will also include a Competition Gym for competitive and performance events, weight room facilities and an Outdoor Adventures classroom. The current auxiliary gym will be renovated to serve as a new library/media center.

                The existing field on the north end of the campus, adjacent to Colonial Drive, will be turfed. The main entrance to the school will be relocated to the east end of the building, facing Harlin Drive.

                Prior to the start of construction, parents will receive information on revised student drop off/pick up points and patterns, building access and designated parking areas to be utilized during the building and renovation process.