FORT WORTH, TX — VLK joined Eagle Mountain-Saginaw ISD (EMS ISD) for the ribbon cutting of the new Wayside Middle School, a replacement for the original campus built in the 1960s. District leaders, community members, and students gathered for the celebration, which was immediately followed by an open house. The new Wayside Middle School Replacement campus was constructed on the site of the district’s former administration building as part of the voter-approved 2023 Bond Proposition A, supporting continued growth and providing critical updates to meet the district’s future needs.

“Through the support of the bond program and the dedicated work of district leadership, board, and staff, this vision has become a reality. The new Wayside Middle School is more than a building. It is a modern learning environment designed to support academic excellence, student engagement, and long-term success,” said Lauren Brown, Principal at VLK. “This is a moment to celebrate what thoughtful planning and community trust can accomplish. Congratulations to EMS ISD on delivering a campus that will serve generations of students for years to come.”

Wayside Middle School was originally established in 1964 and named for the former Wayside School, established in 1898. Serving students in the northern portion of the district, the campus has long been a fixture of the community. The replacement campus is located just south of the original school on Old Decatur Road. Its design draws from the prototype of Marine Creek Middle School, with updates that pay homage to the history of the original Wayside Middle School.

The new Wayside Middle School Replacement campus was designed and constructed in two phases to minimize disruption for students during construction and the transition. The facility officially opened in the second half of the school year, following winter break. The project expands the campus from 150,000 square feet to 180,000 square feet, increasing capacity to serve up to 1,200 students. A central media center anchors the campus, connecting three academic wings and featuring flexible folding panels that allow faculty to create more intimate teaching environments. Phase II of construction addresses outdoor athletics as well as the parking for the school and is currently in progress.