Apr 30, 2025
We understand the importance of creating safe, functional, and inspiring educational environments that support students, educators, and the broader community.
In September 2023, following a competitive selection process, the Unified School District 440 Halstead-Bentley Board of Education unanimously selected Schaefer Architecture to lead their strategic facility study. Our team was tasked with the responsibility of gathering data for Bentley Primary, Halstead Middle School, and Halstead High School; presenting findings to the district and community; and developing effective, cost-efficient bond-issue design solutions.
At Schaefer Architecture, we follow a proven methodology for conducting strategic facility studies to ensure thoughtful, efficient outcomes. One of the initial and most essential steps is forming a community steering committee to guide the process from start to finish. Our team thoroughly documented the district’s existing facilities, working collaboratively with administrative and teaching staff to assess the current use of space.
We then facilitated interactive discussions to better understand the facilities’ needs and priorities. From these insights, we developed comprehensive educational space programs for each school and created conceptual plans to reflect these identified needs. With visual and data-driven materials prepared, we reviewed conceptual plans and associated costs with the community steering committee to determine and prioritize key projects. The process culminated in a proposal that communicates a clear, cohesive vision for district-wide facility improvements to the Board of Education.
The bond issue for USD 440 Halstead-Bentley includes new construction and critical renovations across multiple sites. At Bentley Primary, this includes a new cafeteria, kitchen, playground, designated pick-up and drop-off area, and a secure entrance. Classroom renovations and upgrades to special education learning environments are also planned. The school’s library will be modernized with updated finishes, a new workroom and check-in area for the librarian, and a much-needed storage space. Currently serving as a circulation path through the building, the library layout will be adjusted, adding shelving and low walls to improve flow and reduce noise. As the oldest building in the district, Bentley Primary requires comprehensive upgrades to ensure a high-quality, long-lasting learning environment.
At Halstead Middle School, planned improvements include the construction of new parking with significantly expanded pick-up and drop-off zones, interior renovations, and new additions. A renovated cafeteria, served by a modernized kitchen, will be created. Fulfilling a community need, existing classroom spaces made available by the high school expansion will be converted into secure early childhood learning rooms. The middle school is bustling with activities year-round, so to provide a more visible and accessible experience for visitors, a new activity entrance will be added—leading to a substantial interior renovation for restrooms, concessions, and a gathering space.
For Halstead High School, proposed work includes building new classrooms for seventh and eighth grade students, along with dedicated additions for performing arts and fitness. Culinary and industrial art labs will be modernized, and a secure entrance will be constructed. While Halstead High boasts an excellent performing arts program, its current auditorium lacks the backstage space and technical infrastructure needed for modern productions. The bond will fund a complete reimagining of the auditorium. Once complete, the performance space will be nearly 50% larger and will seat 600 visitors.
At Schaefer Architecture, we take our role in bond-funded projects seriously. We understand the importance of creating safe, functional, and inspiring educational environments that support students, educators, and the broader community. Groundbreaking for this significant slate of projects took place on March 26, 2025—marking the official start of an exciting new chapter for the Halstead-Bentley school district. We are proud to be part of this transformation and look forward to continuing our partnership with USD 440 to bring these much-needed improvements to life.
