South Washington County schools are undergoing expansions and renovations. Some schools will receive updated spaces, as others make room for new areas to promote learning and connection.

Kraus-Anderson is leading the construction projects for six schools to be completed between 2026 and 2027. Here’s a look at the improvements, which voters approved:

High schools

East Ridge High School, 4200 Pioneer Drive, Woodbury, will add 87,145 square feet to its existing building, increasing its capacity to 2,300 students. The project, which is expected to be completed by August 2026, will create new classrooms for Career and Technical Education (CTE) and Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) spaces.

The cafeteria will be expanded and renovations include special education and online learning spaces, along with outdoor spaces, such as the plaza, athletics and activities entrance, drive lanes and parking lots. To encourage the safety of students, storm shelters will also be added, according to Kraus-Anderson.

Park High School, 8040 80th Street S., Cottage Grove, is adding 38,877 square feet to its building. A new kitchen, cafeteria, storm shelter, entry to the north side of the building, CTE areas and STEM areas will be created. Administration and student services offices, and science classrooms will also receive a 40,771 square-foot interior remodel.

Additional construction will create new parking spaces and enhance the roadway “to enhance traffic flow and safety for parent pickup and drop-off,” according to Kraus-Anderson. Both projects are expected to be completed summer of 2027, and a storm shelter will be created by August of 2026.

At Woodbury High School, 2665 Woodlane Drive, the 75,000 square-foot construction project will include an updated cafeteria and kitchen, along with remodeled science rooms, media center and classroom wings. A new front entryway will be added to double as a storm shelter, according to Kraus-Anderson. Outdoor renovations include new parking lots, bus drop off and landscape. The updates and renovations are expected to be completed by August 2027.

Middle schools

Oltman Middle School, 6625 Goodview Avenue S., Cottage Grove, will add 43,674 square feet to accommodate close to 1,300 students. The project, which is expected to be completed by August 2026, will include new STEM and special education spaces and feature a new kitchen, according to Kraus-Anderson.

New classrooms will function as pods “around a shared flexible area with natural daylight to encourage collaboration,” according to Kraus-Anderson. The school’s existing cafeteria will also be expanded and incorporate seating options for various students’ sensory needs. Storm shelters will be added.

Cottage Grove and Lake Middle School, 9775 Indian Blvd S., Cottage Grove, will feature a 19,6623 square-foot construction project expected to be completed by August 2026. It will include a new secure entry and office space, and renovate the existing offices to create collaboration spaces, according to Kraus-Anderson. New entryways will be added to the additions, along with updated parking options and new green spaces.

Woodbury Middle School, 1425 School Drive, Woodbury, will encompass a 28,303 square-foot project, expected to be completed by fall 2026. The addition of a new road added to the east side of the building will be created to connect with Upper Afton Rd on the North side of the school. The school’s existing pool will be reconfigured into a new multi-purpose space, according to Kraus-Anderson, and outdoor storage spaces will be added. Music spaces will also be renovated.

Designs for the projects are created by Wold Architects and Engineers or KOMA Architecture, Interior Design and Engineering.