St. Paul Schools Celebrate New Facilities with Sustainable Designs

The St. Paul Public Schools district marked a significant milestone this fall with the completion of two major renovation projects: the newly remodeled Barack and Michelle Obama Montessori and Middle School, and the newly constructed Bruce Vento Elementary School. These projects, part of a broader initiative that includes a total of 37 construction efforts within the district, aim to enhance educational environments while incorporating sustainable practices.

The Barack and Michelle Obama Montessori and Middle School combines a pre-kindergarten through fifth-grade Montessori program previously located at J.J. Hill Montessori with a new middle school that will gradually expand to include grades six through eight over the next two years. The ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Obama school took place in late September, highlighting the integration of child-centered educational approaches that emphasize independence and hands-on learning.

In contrast, the new Bruce Vento Elementary School, which officially opened on October 2, 2025, is the first new building in the district since 2018 and features an environmental magnet program. Named after the late U.S. congressman Bruce Vento, the school accommodates pre-kindergarten through fifth-grade students and includes an Early Childhood and Community Hub that offers various childhood programming and community services.

Nicky Napierala, principal of Bruce Vento Elementary, expressed enthusiasm about the new facility, noting its innovative design features. The approximately 160,000-square-foot building, constructed with a budget of $89.9 million, includes a geothermal system for heating and cooling, high-performance insulation, and plans for solar panels. These sustainable elements are intended to promote energy efficiency while providing educational opportunities for students to learn about environmental stewardship.

The design process involved extensive community feedback, with surveys and family nights contributing to the vision for the school. As Pam Bookhout, the facilities project manager, explained, the building’s unique shape allows for maximum natural light, addressing previous concerns about the dark and concrete-heavy spaces of the old school.

The new Bruce Vento Elementary is designed to foster interaction with nature, featuring outdoor learning environments such as raised plant beds and a dry creek bed intended for educational purposes. As construction of the schoolyard continues, students have participated in “playground days,” traveling to nearby facilities during the interim period without a dedicated playground.

In addition to enhancing the physical environment, both schools aim to strengthen community ties. The Obama Montessori and Middle School promotes collaborative learning through shared spaces, including a cafeteria, library, and meeting areas. Principals Amanda Herrera-Gundale and Elizabeth Diemer are focused on nurturing existing relationships within the school community as they transition into the new space.

The renovations at both schools reflect a broader commitment within the St. Paul Public Schools district to prioritize sustainable practices and responsive educational environments. As the school year progresses, students and staff are expected to benefit from these modernized facilities, which not only meet current educational needs but also engage with the surrounding environment in meaningful ways.

These developments underscore the district’s dedication to creating vibrant learning spaces that support both academic and social growth, ensuring that students have access to a nurturing and innovative educational experience.