Hays Middle School Unveils Renovated Campus

Expanded facilities aim to enhance learning, but some students express initial unease with larger spaces.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 12:10pm

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A brightly colored, high-contrast silkscreen print of a school backpack repeated in a tight grid pattern, conceptually representing the mixed emotions surrounding the renovated Hays Middle School.The renovated Hays Middle School aims to provide a more engaging learning environment, but the larger campus has sparked mixed reactions from students and parents.Hays Today

The newly renovated Hays Middle School has officially opened its doors for the new academic year, marking a significant milestone for the community. While some students and parents are excited about the modern facilities, others are feeling a bit overwhelmed by the larger campus and the prospect of navigating unfamiliar spaces.

Why it matters

The $6.1 million renovation project aimed to create a more comfortable and engaging learning environment for students, with larger classrooms, additional collaboration rooms, and enhanced facilities. However, the changes also mark the end of an era for Hays Middle School, as the building will eventually be transformed into Felten Elementary School, raising questions about the future of education in the area.

The details

The school's principal, Tom Albers, assured students and parents that the renovation project is nearing completion, with approximately 58% of the work finished. The remaining tasks, including further improvements and adjustments, will be tackled this summer and potentially next summer. The school's design includes larger classrooms, additional collaboration rooms, new flooring, freshly painted and repaired lockers, and enhanced facilities, including two gyms and a spacious cafeteria.

  • The newly renovated Hays Middle School officially opened its doors for the new academic year.
  • The remaining renovation tasks will be completed this summer and potentially next summer.

The players

Tom Albers

The principal of Hays Middle School.

Charlotte Mergen

A seventh-grade student at Hays Middle School who expressed nervousness about the larger school.

Christy Mergen

Charlotte Mergen's mother, who expressed excitement about the opportunities the expanded space will offer.

William White

An eighth-grade student at Hays Middle School who did not feel intimidated by the larger building.

Tonya White

William White's mother, who expressed enthusiasm for the larger space and the ease it will provide for students to move around.

Scott Lindenmeyer

A science teacher at Hays Middle School who highlighted the benefits of the renovation, particularly the added space for students, extra gyms, and larger hallways and classrooms.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

What’s next

The district plans to relocate administrative offices to the Wilson building and vacate the Rockwell Administration Center. The former high school's metal shop will be transformed into the middle school's new wood shop, and the former ag classroom will serve as a lecture space for the high school's wood program.

The takeaway

The renovated Hays Middle School offers an exciting new beginning, but it also invites discussions about the future of education in the area. While the larger campus aims to enhance the learning experience, some students and parents express initial unease, raising questions about how the community will adapt to these changes.