Major renovations honor the school’s rich history while creating new learning spaces for future generations.
Bramlett Elementary School is the oldest building in the Oxford School District, and has played an important role in educating generations of students. Now, the historic campus is receiving its most significant investments to date, with approximately $13 million in district funds dedicated to facility improvements, renovations, and new construction through the 2027–2028 school year.
While other campuses across the district have undergone major renovations and facility upgrades over the years, the age of Bramlett’s facility has made it more difficult to accomplish major upgrades without significant disruptions during the school year. Despite the challenges, district leaders understand the importance of moving forward with substantial enhancements.
“Bramlett is one of the first campuses that our families encounter, and we believe that the facilities should mirror the excellence that our school staff exhibits daily in educating some of our youngest learners,” Dr. Germain McConnell, Interim Superintendent.
The district is now making a substantial investment in one of the first campuses our families encounter, ensuring that the school continues to serve students in a safe, modern, and welcoming learning environment while preserving its place in Oxford’s history.
A School Rich in Oxford History
As the oldest building in the Oxford School District, Bramlett Elementary has been part of the community’s educational history since 1968.
Today, Bramlett continues to serve some of Oxford’s youngest learners, and the district’s investment reflects a commitment to preserving the school’s history while preparing its facilities for future generations to come.
Oxford School District Board of Trustees President Carter Myers emphasized the importance of investing in a campus that holds such a significant place in the community’s history.
“Bramlett holds a special place in Oxford’s history and in the lives of so many of our families. The Board is proud of the vision and dedication our staff have shown in improving this facility for today’s students while honoring its legacy.”
Major Improvements Already Underway
Students and staff at Bramlett Elementary are already beginning to see the results of the district’s investment, with several projects completed or currently underway.
Within the past few months, one of the most visible improvements is the renovation of the school’s cafeteria, which includes new furniture, flooring, fresh paint, an upgraded audiovisual system, a refinished stage, and new stage curtain. The improvements are designed to create a more functional and inviting space for students, staff, and families for school events.
Additional improvements include:
*Enhanced Campus Security
*Eight-Classroom Addition (currently under construction)
*Cafeteria Kitchen Modernization
*Special Education Classroom Improvements
*Classroom Restroom Renovations
These projects build upon previous district investments at Bramlett, including an earlier classroom wing addition and the construction of a tornado shelter to enhance campus safety funded through the 2023 Bond Referendum.
Phase II: Continuing the Investment
The district’s work at Bramlett is far from finished.
A second phase of renovations is scheduled to go out for bids during the winter of 2026–2027, with construction projected to begin in summer 2027.
Phase II will focus on extensive improvements throughout the school’s main building, including renovations to classrooms, corridors, and other learning spaces. Planned work includes the installation of an updated fire sprinkler system, updated ceilings, new classroom flooring, improved millwork, fresh paint, and plumbing upgrades throughout the building.
Outdoor learning and recreation areas will also receive significant attention. The school’s main playground is scheduled for renovation and expansion, including new playground surfacing, updated equipment, and additional fencing to enhance student safety. The courtyard play area will also be transformed with new turf or playground surfacing and additional equipment, creating more opportunities for students to enjoy outdoor activities throughout the school day.
Oxford School District Chief of Operations Dr. Steve Hurdle explained that the improvements are part of a coordinated, multi-year approach to modernizing the campus while allowing the school to continue serving students.
”The plan to renovate Bramlett takes massive coordination because much of this work will be completed while school is in session. Months of planning have allowed us to develop a scope of work that will modernize this campus and simultaneously allow us to complete the work while educating students.”
A $13 Million Commitment to Bramlett’s Future
Together, the classroom wing and tornado shelter funded through the 2023 Bond Referendum, the district-funded eight-classroom addition, and extensive renovations represent a significant investment in Bramlett Elementary School. By the completion of Phase II during the 2027–2028 school year, the Oxford School District anticipates investing approximately $13 million toward these improvements.
The improvements reflect a long-term commitment to addressing aging facilities while providing students and staff with high-quality learning environments throughout the district.
For a school that has played such an important role in Oxford’s educational history, these investments represent much more than building improvements. They represent a renewed commitment to the students, educators, and families who have made Bramlett Elementary a cornerstone of the Oxford community for generations. Through these investments, the Oxford School District is ensuring it remains a special place for Oxford’s future generations to come.
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