FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Link to event photos and renderings: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/kqppy7x6bf2m61g99yzts/AD5qaaUCYeuV1qDsDKN8Qoo?rlkey=9pdei0873xul9e1dn8rs048fy&st=dwefmgfe&dl=0
TAMPA, FL (April 28, 2026) — Hillsborough County Public Schools (HCPS) broke ground on a new shared campus for Stewart Middle Magnet School and Just Elementary School, marking a major milestone in a $77 million redevelopment project that will serve more than 1,500 students in West Tampa.
The project, delivered in partnership with Skanska, will replace the existing Stewart Middle Magnet School facility and integrate both schools on a modern, shared campus designed to support collaboration, efficiency, and 21st century learning.
Designed by FleischmanGarciaMaslowski Architecture, the new campus will include more than 135,000 square feet of instructional space, with shared amenities such as a cafeteria and media center. Stewart Middle Magnet School will accommodate more than 1,000 student stations, while Just Elementary School will serve more than 530 students. Stewart Middle Magnet will re-open to their students in January of 2028. Just Elementary will welcome students in August of 2028.
“This groundbreaking represents our commitment to investing in safe, modern, and inspiring learning environments for our students,” Superintendent Van Ayres said. “The new Stewart–Just campus will provide the space and resources our students and educators need to thrive, while serving as a long-term asset for the West Tampa community.”
As part of the redevelopment, the district will preserve the historic Stewart Middle Magnet gymnasium, which holds significance for many reasons, including its original use as part of Blake High School. The gym will remain on campus and receive lighting upgrades, necessary code improvements, and other enhancements.
School Board Member Shake Washington, whose district includes the schools, said the project reflects sustained community advocacy and long-term planning.
“This moment is about more than new buildings—it’s about honoring our community and ensuring our students have access to high quality schools close to home,” Washington said.
The Stewart–Just campus project is part of HCPS’ broader effort to modernize aging facilities and ensure schools meet the needs of a growing student population.