St. Paul Schools Celebrate Renovations of Obama Montessori and Bruce Vento Elementary

In St. Paul, Minnesota, two significant renovations have transformed local education facilities this fall, marking a major upgrade for the St. Paul Public Schools district. The newly remodeled **Barack and Michelle Obama Montessori and Middle School** and the newly constructed **Bruce Vento Elementary School** welcomed students this academic year, enhancing the district’s offerings with modern classrooms and shared learning spaces.

The Obama Montessori and Middle School combines a Montessori elementary program, previously housed at **J.J. Hill Montessori**, with a new middle school that will gradually expand over the next two years. Currently, it serves sixth graders, with plans to add seventh and eighth grades in future academic years.

A symbol of progress, the new **Bruce Vento Elementary School** is the district’s first new building since 2018, featuring an environmental magnet program. Named in honor of the late **U.S. Congressman Bruce Vento**, who grew up in St. Paul, the school accommodates pre-kindergarten through fifth-grade students and includes an Early Childhood and Community Hub that provides essential community services and childhood programming.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony for Bruce Vento took place on **October 2, 2025**, attended by notable guests including **Sue Vento**, the congressman’s widow, and **Dr. William Schrankler**, the first principal of the original Bruce Vento Elementary, which opened in 1971.

Construction of the new building, which spans approximately **160,000 square feet**, commenced in 2023 with a budget of **$89.9 million**. Designed by **Cuningham** and executed by **RJM Construction**, the school features a range of sustainable attributes, including a geothermal system for energy efficiency and plans for solar panels. The schoolyard is expected to be completed by **August 2026**.

Pam Bookhout, the facilities project manager, recently conducted tours of the new building, highlighting its innovative design. The layout aims to maximize natural light while providing secure entryways for students. Principal **Nicky Napierala** noted the previous building lacked adequate windows and often felt dark and concrete-heavy, whereas the new school features a unique “W” shape with open spaces and high ceilings.

Community input played a crucial role in shaping the school’s design and focus. Feedback gathered through surveys and meetings influenced the decision to integrate elements of sustainability and an emphasis on nature into the learning environment. Bookhout remarked, “The main purpose for that was to allow as much daylight in as possible,” while addressing the building’s unconventional shape.

The previous Bruce Vento school, constructed in the 1970s, struggled with an open-concept design that often led to noise distractions during classes. The new building addresses these challenges with thoughtfully designed spaces that foster a conducive learning environment.

While the new building was being constructed, students had to adapt to the absence of a playground, attending a “playground day” at the nearby **John A. Johnson Elementary** every Friday. With the anticipated completion of the schoolyard, students will benefit from features like raised plant beds made from materials from the old building and a “dry creek bed” designed for stormwater management.

As the Bruce Vento community eagerly awaits the new schoolyard, outdoor learning continues with students participating in gardening and environmental education, integrating classroom lessons with hands-on experiences in nature.

In addition to these renovations, the **Barack and Michelle Obama Montessori and Middle School** also celebrated a significant upgrade, having completed a **$55.3 million** renovation designed by **Snow Kreilich Architects**. This project includes shared spaces such as a cafeteria, library, and gym, fostering collaboration between the elementary and middle school programs.

The remodeled school aims to maintain the Montessori philosophy of hands-on learning and self-direction. With principals **Amanda Herrera-Gundale** and **Elizabeth Diemer** managing the middle and elementary schools, respectively, they emphasize the importance of existing relationships during this transition. “We’re just a different home,” Diemer stated, highlighting the continuity of staff and families within the new setting.

Overall, these renovations at the Barack and Michelle Obama Montessori and Bruce Vento Elementary Schools represent a significant investment in the future of education in St. Paul, ensuring that students have access to modern facilities designed to support their learning and development in an engaging and environmentally conscious way.