Auburn City Schools’ $383M expansion includes second high school

AUBURN, Ala. (WRBL) — Auburn City Schools is launching 2025 with a massive investment in education infrastructure, highlighted by a second high school, a new middle school and the reconstruction of two of the district’s oldest elementary schools.

In total, the ACS 2035 Facilities Master Plan includes an estimated $383 million in capital projects, all funded without the need for new taxes.

The most significant development is the $214 million second high school at Shug Jordan Parkway and North Donahue Drive, with an anticipated opening in fall 2028. Once complete, both high schools will serve students in grades 9-12, shifting away from the current model that separates freshmen.

School officials are working on branding the new high school, including selecting colors and a mascot. Auburn City Schools spokesperson Daniel Chesser emphasized the importance of public engagement in shaping the new school’s identity.

“In January, we opened a survey to gather input from students, teachers and the public,” Chesser said. “The survey closed on Jan. 27, and we are now analyzing the data to determine what stakeholders want to see in the new high school.”

Beyond relieving overcrowding at Auburn High School, the second campus will double student opportunities in athletics, fine arts and extracurricular activities.

“When you’re talking about small team sports, cheer squads or career tech offerings, a second high school gives kids more chances to get involved and engaged,” Chesser said.

With 9,438 students enrolled, ACS anticipates continued growth. Auburn High School is already at full capacity with 2,219 students. The second high school will accommodate an additional 2,200 students, bringing total high school capacity to 4,400 and ensuring the district can meet enrollment demands through at least 2040.

Despite adding a second high school, Auburn will remain in Class 7A, the state’s highest classification for athletics.

Additional projects in 2035 master plan

Alongside the new high school, ACS is investing in:

• A New Middle School ($78.2 million)
  • Location: William Buechner Parkway
  • Grades: 7-8
  • Opening: Fall 2028
  • Purpose: Establishes a two-high school feeder system
• Auburn Junior High School Expansion ($18.6 million)
  • Additional classroom space
  • New softball field
• Reconstruction of Dean Road Elementary and Wrights Mill Elementary
  • Dean Road Elementary
    • Budget: $28 million
    • Grades: K-2
    • Opening: Fall 2030
  • Wrights Mill Elementary
    • Budget: $28 million
    • Grades: 3-5
    • Opening: Fall 2030

These two elementary schools, originally built in the late 1950s, are among the oldest in the district. ACS leaders determined demolishing and rebuilding was more cost-effective than renovating, similar to past projects at Cary Woods and Drake Middle School.

“Dean Road is in a very landlocked, congested area. We are looking at acquiring property across I-85 and pairing it with Ogletree Elementary,” Chesser said. “At Wrights Mill, we have city-owned land next to it, allowing us to keep the school open while building the new facility.”

Funding and future planning

The $383 million in capital projects will be financed through local revenue from the 16-mill special school tax with no additional tax increases.

Capital renewal (maintenance, upgrades): $17 million

New construction projects: $366.8 million

“We encourage residents to visit auburncity.org to review the full facilities master plan approved in January,” Chesser said. “This plan outlines our next decade of growth, including the second high school and middle school opening in 2028.”

ACS officials will continue to monitor student enrollment and assess the timeline for implementing additional phases of the 2035 master plan.