Willmar School Board Approves $1.4 Million in Bids for Middle School Renovations

Projects will update classrooms, media center, and kitchen at Willmar Middle School this summer

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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The Willmar School Board has approved three bids totaling around $1.4 million for renovation projects at Willmar Middle School this summer. The work will include updates to classrooms, hallways, offices, the media center, and the school's kitchen. The projects will address issues like asbestos, cracked flooring, and the need for more space in the kitchen.

Why it matters

The renovations aim to improve the learning environment and facilities at Willmar Middle School, which serves a large number of students in the community. Addressing concerns like asbestos and aging infrastructure will help ensure the school can continue operating safely and efficiently.

The details

The school board approved bids for two major projects: renovations to the western wing of the school, and renovations to the kitchen. The western wing work will include replacing flooring, carpeting, ceilings, and countertops in classrooms, hallways, offices, and the media center. Asbestos will first need to be removed from ceiling tiles, countertops, flooring, and carpeting in this area. The kitchen renovations will address cracked flooring and expand the space.

  • The asbestos removal and renovations to the western wing will take place in three phases over the summer, beginning in June and finishing by mid-August 2026.
  • The kitchen renovations will also begin in June and be completed before the next school year starts.

The players

Willmar School Board

The governing body of Willmar Public Schools that approved the renovation project bids.

Aaron Pilarski

Willmar Public Schools Buildings and Grounds Manager who provided details on the renovation plans.

Danaca Jensen

Willmar Public Schools Director of Food and Nutrition Services who identified issues with the kitchen flooring.

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What they’re saying

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— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

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The takeaway

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