From Ag Tech to AI: 3 “On the Boards” K-12 Projects Defining Modern Education

Designing Purpose-Built Learning Spaces for Pavilion CSD’s Next Chapter

After years of adapting existing spaces to meet growing program needs, the Pavilion Central School District is embarking on a comprehensive capital improvement K-12 project designed to modernize and unify the campus while supporting the district’s evolving educational mission. Approved overwhelmingly by voters last December, this initiative represents a community-driven investment in the future of Pavilion’s students.

At the heart of the project is a transformative new agricultural technology facility that addresses the limitations of the district’s current ag-tech classroom.

Modeled after traditional barns and inspired by the iconic Wells Barn framing technique, this expanded space will provide dedicated areas for welding, soil analysis, greenhouse work and advanced ag tech instruction. Careful separation of “clean” and “dirty” agricultural activities will create an efficient, organized environment built to foster program growth and reflect the district’s rural heritage.

Beyond ag tech, the capital project will provide thoughtful renovations to the middle/high school’s performance gym, enhancing school pride through strategic branding and inviting interiors. Additionally, the media centers in both the elementary and middle/high school will be modernized, transforming outdated spaces into dynamic learning hubs that extend classroom opportunities.

Modernized media centers for Pavilion’s Elementary (left) and Middle/High School (right)

Site-wide improvements include renovated playgrounds, accessibility enhancements, and essential re-roofing work. Additionally, special care is being taken to preserve historic elements of the middle/high school building, notably replacing the iconic wooden spire above the main entrance with sensitivity to its architectural legacy.

Together, these upgrades will position Pavilion students for success—whether pursuing higher education, entering the agricultural industry or launching entrepreneurial ventures. The K-12 project blends modern, purposeful learning environments with a strong sense of community identity, fueling student ambition and preparing them for the future.

Delivering a Future-Focused CTE Facility for Ossining UFSD Students

Adjacent to Ossining High School, a bold new chapter in Career and Technical Education (CTE) is taking shape. A brand-new, 19,700 sq. ft., three-story CTE building will soon anchor a connected campus dedicated to hands-on learning and emerging technologies.

Part of Phase 1 of the Ossining Union Free School District’s (UFSD) 2024 Bond initiative, this addition is more than just new square footage—it’s a purpose-built hub designed to prepare students for the rapidly evolving world of work and technology.

The facility will feature dedicated spaces for CAD design, computer science, computer programming, artificial intelligence, and computer-integrated manufacturing. A large robotics lab will also support the school’s active competition teams, while flexible, technology-rich classrooms will accommodate future programs as educational needs grow and shift.

Additionally, the new building will serve as a physical connector between the high school and a nearby historic church recently acquired by the district. As part of the same bond initiative, the church will soon be restored and transformed into a high-performing black box theater. In response, the design of the CTE building incorporates architectural elements inspired by the church, including the creative integration of stained-glass elements that bridge traditional and modern aesthetics.

Flooded with natural light and designed to support collaboration, this K-12 project will provide students and teachers with the space, tools and inspiration needed to explore, experiment and excel. It will become a launchpad for opportunity and a cornerstone of the district’s commitment to preparing students for the world ahead.

Building a Dedicated Middle School for Ossining UFSD’s Growing Student Body

Another major component of the Ossining UFSD’s 2024 Bond initiative is a new 140,000 sq. ft., three-story middle school that will give grades 7 and 8 a dedicated home—and the district room to grow. Planned adjacent to the district’s existing middle school campus, the new 7/8 building will deliver a vibrant, student-centered environment built for the future.

Progress rendering

At the heart of the school, an atrium at the main entrance will set the tone—welcoming students and staff with an abundance of natural light, open sightlines, and a strong connection to the outdoors. This dramatic entry sequence creates a sense of arrival and belonging, anchoring the building’s circulation with a cross-axis corridor system that supports intuitive wayfinding and dynamic flow throughout the day.

A full-grade cafeteria will sit on the north side of the building, surrounded by an abundance of glazing that fills the space with daylight. Designed as more than just a place to eat, the cafeteria will include integrated storage and adaptable seating to double as a study hall or collaboration space—an everyday hub for student activity.

A centrally located auditorium will serve as the school’s cultural heart, supporting assemblies, performances and community gatherings with ease of access from all parts of the building. And to the south, a full-size gymnasium will connect directly to shared athletic fields.

Throughout, classrooms and learning spaces will be bright, flexible and technology-rich—reflecting a design approach centered on adaptability, engagement and future-ready instruction. Bold school branding and clean, modern finishes will energize the interiors, enabling this K-12 project to give students a space that feels both inspiring and distinctly their own.