School City of Mishawaka breaks ground on new Hums Elementary School

MISHAWAKA, Ind. — School City of Mishawaka broke ground this afternoon on its newest school building in decades.

District leaders joined city officials including Mayor Dave Wood, along with students and community partners, for the groundbreaking ceremony Tuesday afternoon. Students from the current Hums Elementary walked over from the current school right next to the site to take part in the event.

“Because at the end of the day, that group of students who just shoveled the dirt, those will be the first students that really get to enjoy the new home elementary school. It’s exciting for the school corporation, for the community, and certainly exciting for the kids. said Superintendent Dr. Theodore Stevens.

Among those students was fourth grader Avery Foray, who will be part of the first graduating class in the new building.
“I’m excited to learn a lot of new things,” Foray said.

The current Hums Elementary building, home to the Roadrunners since 1971, will be demolished to make room for a new parking lot and playground.

Discussions about replacing the facility have been ongoing for more than 20 years, and now renderings are becoming reality, complete with a new mascot and school colors for a fresh start.

“Changing the colors, changing the mascot for a new beginning and the Home Huskies was voted on by the students. The students were a big part of the new name.” said Principal Jeffrey Yohe.

Yohe, who has served as principal for the past 12 years, said the $45 million project will create a safer, more practical learning environment, replacing the current open-concept building that often floods.

“You don’t get this opportunity often in your lifetime, so I’m excited to be a part of it,” Yohe said. “I’m excited to see something new,” he added.

Construction is expected to be complete in time to welcome the Huskies back for the 2027–2028 school year.