Hamilton Community Schools Announces 8th Grade (Class of 2031) Relocation for the 2026-27 School Year as Hamilton Middle School Roof gets Replaced
What the Community Should Know and Why This Decision Was Made
Hamilton Community Schools is committed to providing safe, high-quality learning environments for all students. As part of the voter-approved 2023 bond work, the district must complete a major roof replacement at Hamilton Middle School. Due to the scope and timeline of this project, the district will temporarily relocate 8th grade students to Hamilton High School for the 2026–2027 school year only.
This decision was not made lightly. District administrators spent several months reviewing building conditions, safety requirements, instructional needs, and multiple alternative options before determining the best path forward for students and staff.
Why Is This Work Necessary?
The roof at Hamilton Middle School has reached a point where replacement is no longer optional.
The roof has multiple leaks, which are noticeable during heavy rain or snow melt.
It does not meet current snow-load safety codes, meaning it is not compliant with today’s required structural standards.
Professional evaluations confirmed that a full roof replacement—including ceilings and structural components down to the deck board—is required to ensure long-term safety and stability of the building.
Completing this work now prevents greater safety risks and higher costs in the future.
Scope and Timeline of the Project
The middle school roof project is extensive and impacts both the exterior roof and interior classroom spaces.
Construction begins: June 2026 (immediately after the school year)
Construction ends: August 2027
Project structure: Four phases completed across two summers and one school year
Because entire sections of the building must be closed while work occurs—and classrooms must move as phases shift—it is not possible to safely house all grade levels in the building during the 2026–2027 school year.
Why Move 8th Grade to the High School?
After evaluating all available options, temporarily relocating 8th grade was determined to be the least disruptive and most practical solution.
This approach:
Allows the roof project to be completed efficiently and safely
Minimizes the number of grade-level transitions across the district
Reduces disruption for younger students
Keeps students in a traditional school building with appropriate learning spaces
Allows 8th graders to experience the high school environment one year early while still being taught by their 8th grade teachers
This relocation is for one school year only. Eighth grade students will return to the middle school for the 2027–2028 school year, and both buildings will resume normal grade configurations.
What About Other Options?
The district explored numerous alternatives before making this decision:
Keeping 5th Grade in Elementary Schools
Not all elementary buildings have sufficient space
Conflicts with special schedules, MTSS, and student services
Significant transportation challenges
Using Portables or Temporary Spaces
Extremely costly to rent or purchase for one year
Difficult to secure in large quantities
Not a responsible use of public funds
Using the Recently Purchased Hamilton Virtual School Facility
Classroom sizes are too small for full-size traditional classrooms
Would significantly disrupt Virtual School and Early Childhood programs
After thorough review, none of these options met safety, instructional, logistical, and financial standards as effectively as the temporary 8th grade relocation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the high school have space for 8th grade students?
Yes. Middle school and high school administrators have worked together to ensure adequate classroom space, adjusted schedules, and appropriate passing times. 8th grade classrooms will be grouped in a specific area to support monitoring, structure, and a strong sense of community.
Will 8th graders still feel connected to the middle school?
Yes. Clubs and athletics will continue to operate through the middle school. Assemblies and class activities will be coordinated when feasible, and all official communication will continue through the middle school office.
Where will parent pickup occur?
Parent pickup for 8th grade students will take place at the high school during the 2026–2027 school year.
What about students in grades 5–7?
Students in grades 5–7 will remain at the middle school. While some classroom locations may change during construction phases, extensive planning will continue to minimize disruption and maintain instructional continuity.
Looking Ahead
Hamilton Community Schools understands that this temporary change may raise questions and concerns. Student safety, educational continuity, and responsible use of community resources remain the district’s top priorities.
The district will:
Continue to share updates as planning progresses
Host parent information sessions closer to the transition
Provide resources and communication to help students and families prepare
Invite ongoing feedback and questions from the community
