MILFORD – Wawasee School Corporation held a groundbreaking at the site of the new Milford Elementary School Tuesday, with construction of the building to start in the next few weeks.
Superintendent Dr. Stephen Troyer said the project will cost $34.1 million. The building is expected to open for the start of the 2026-27 school year.
“Construction, it will probably be done sometime that spring. But with it being completed towards the end of the school year, we’re not going to move immediately. We’re going to transition over the summer and start the ‘26-’27 school year there,” he said.
Demolition of the current school won’t happen until the new elementary school is open. Where the current school stands will be parking, drop-off and grassy areas. Troyer said they are going to keep the circle drive area.
The school will be a three-section building, which means there will be space for three classes at every grade level. There will be two prekindergarten classes for the Early Learning Center. The new school will host up to fifth grade.
In May 2023, the Wawasee Community School Corporation Board of Trustees voted to consolidate Milford Middle School with Wawasee Middle School at the start of the 2023-24 school year.
The new Milford Elementary School project goes back over a year.
“We had facilitated a community engagement process in the spring of ‘23 and one of the priorities that came out of that was that committee felt like the board needed to address was doing something with the building here at Milford. So (Milford School) was built in the ‘50s and added onto I think five or six times. And the core of the building, I think it opened in ‘54. The core of the building houses most of the mechanical systems, so it’s an aging and old building. And the way the board manages its resources, we try to do a building project” when the school corporation has resources to invest in the corporation, he said. “Then we try to manage that, so we can manage our tax rate. And so this building was one that we felt like we needed to address and with it being 70 years old, this was definitely a priority for us.”

    Wawasee Community School Corporation Superintendent Dr. Stephen Troyer speaks during the groundbreaking Tuesday for the new Milford Elementary School. Photo by Jackie Gorski, Times-Union
  

Troyer said, “This is a day that marks a new chapter in the history of Milford and Wawasee Community School Corporation. As we stand here ready to break ground on the site of the soon-to-be-new Milford Elementary School, we’re not just building a structure, we’re building a future. This project has been a labor of love, a vision brought to life through the collaboration of educators, community members” and school board members.
Troyer recognized dignitaries in attendance and thanked community members for their time and support for the project.
“This new Milford Elementary School represents much more than just bricks and mortier. It is a reflection of who we are as a community and what we stand for as a school district,” Troyer said. “Milford Elementary School will be a place where the spirit of education flourishes, curiosity is encouraged and where every child can proudly say, ‘I am a Warrior.’ Being a Warrior is more than our school colors or our mascot. It’s about being relentless committed to our students and intrinsically motivated to do our best and be part of something that is greater than ourselves. This new school embodies these principles, standing in testament to our unwavering commitment to providing the best possible education to our children.”
Milford Elementary School Principal Michael Casey said he was pumped about the new school, saying it fills him with pride and excitement.
“This moment has been a long time coming and we’re finally here,” Casey said.
The new school was the collective work of a team, “a true community effort, an endeavor brought together by educators, parents, community members and leaders who all share a common goal - to build a school that fits in our town, honors our legacy and represents the strong sense of community. From the very beginning, our community has been at the heart of this project. Simply, we are in the community. We held meetings, we listened, we collaborated. We dreamed big together. Every brick that will be laid, every classroom that will be built, every space that has been designed has been influenced by the voices and ideas of those who care about our students, each and every one of you. We couldn’t have come this far without the incredible support and commitment of our school board, as Dr. Troyer mentioned, their dedication to our students that is unwavering in their belief in the power of education to change lives is inspiring,” Casey said.
Casey called school staff members and students the backbone of the project. The staff members are the ones who worked tirelessly to make sure students get the best education possible.
“The new school is a testament to your hardwork, your dedication and your passion. It is a space where you can continue to inspire, teach and make a difference in the lives of our students,” Casey said.
He said the groundbreaking was just the beginning and the best was yet to come.
“As we watch this new school rise from the ground, let us remember the importance of what we’re building here. We’re not just creating a school. We’re creating a place where dreams will be nurtured, where ideas will take flight and where the next generation of leaders, thinkers and doers will be shaped. This is a place, as Dr. Troyer mentioned, the Warrior spirit will live on in every student who walks through these doors. With all that said, let’s celebrate today. Let’s celebrate the journey that brought us here, the community that made it possible and the bright future that lies ahead. Together, we are building something truly special, something that will impact our students, our families and our community for generations to come,” Casey said.