Exciting News: MSAD 33 and Madawaska Schools Select Harriman to Lead New PreK-12 Educational Facility

We are thrilled to share a major milestone in the journey toward a new, permanent home for our students in the St. John Valley.

MSAD 33 and Madawaska Schools have selected Harriman (a Maine-based architectural and engineering firm) to lead the design and planning of a new PreK-12 Educational Facility. This is a significant step forward, and one that reflects years of determination, community perseverance, and an unwavering commitment to our children's future.

Why Harriman?

Harriman stood out for many reasons, but perhaps most importantly: They are a Maine firm that truly understands our region. With team members located right here in Aroostook County (including in Caribou) Harriman brings not only statewide expertise but genuine local presence. They have already demonstrated their commitment to our community through prior projects in the area, including work at the University of Maine at Fort Kent, the NMCC Dining Commons Renovation, and the Fish River Rural Health Madawaska Health Clinic.

Beyond their regional roots, Harriman brings an impressive depth of experience in PreK-12 school design, with more than 200 elementary schools, 60 middle schools, and 70 high schools in their portfolio, along with 80+ school assessments and studies. Their dedicated PreK–12 Education Studio integrates architects, engineers, educational planners, and interior designers under one roof, which means our project will benefit from a team that thinks about every stage of a child's school experience.

Harriman has also made a clear commitment to keeping our community informed every step of the way. They believe transparency isn't just a best practice, it's a foundation for trust. Throughout the planning and design process, Harriman will prioritize open communication, ensure stakeholders are never left guessing, and actively work to build consensus around key decisions. Families, educators, and community members can expect to be engaged early, updated often, and genuinely heard.

A School Built Around Our Community

One of the things that excites us most about Harriman is their deeply collaborative approach. They believe great schools grow from the communities they serve, and they mean it. Harriman is committed to a transparent, inclusive community engagement process that ensures students, families, educators, and St. John Valley residents all have a voice in shaping what this new facility looks like and what it stands for.

This isn't just a building project — it's an opportunity to reimagine what education can look like in our valley for generations to come. From early childhood spaces designed around how young children learn and grow, to high school environments that prepare students for life beyond graduation, the new facility will be thoughtfully designed for every learner.

Looking Ahead

The road to a new PreK-12 school has not been without its challenges, and we are deeply grateful for the patience and support of our community along the way. With Harriman now on board, we are ready to move forward with purpose and momentum.

In the coming weeks and months, you will have opportunities to participate in the planning process. Your input matters, and Harriman's team is ready to listen. Stay tuned for updates on community engagement sessions and next steps.

Together, we are building something extraordinary for the children of the St. John Valley.

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