WISCONSIN, USA: Fairview South Unveils $3.5M Renovation, Hydroponic Farming Program
School Offers Hands-On Learning Hub For Students With Special Needs
By Karen Pilarski - Freeman Staff
Oct 11, 2025
With a $3.5 million renovation and the launch of a hydroponic farming program, Fairview South School in the Elmbrook School District is ushering in a new era of hands-on learning for students with special needs. From left: Zach Singer, CG Schmidt; Beth Dobrzynski and Rick Domach, Elmbrook Schools; Jean Lambert, Elmbrook School Board; Luke Carini, CG Schmidt; Natalie Tetzlaff, Allume Architects; Angela Sidebottom, Fairview South; Alex Malsch, Allume Architects; Angie McGuire, Fairview South; Mary Wacker, Elmbrook School Board; Mark Hansen, Elmbrook Schools; Mariana Hernandez, Forward Space; Sara Bentley, Forward Space; Wes Sylla, Elmbrook School Board; Caitlin Harrison, Elmbrook Schools; and Ben Prather, Elmbrook Schools.
Courtesy of Elmbrook School District
BROOKFIELD — With a $3.5 million renovation and the launch of a hydroponic farming program, Fairview South School is ushering in a new era of hands-on learning for students with special needs.
The Elmbrook School District facility, home to the Waukesha County Special Education Consortium, unveiled its updated interior during a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Sept. 26, the first major upgrade since becoming a consortium school in 1984.
"This renovation has completely transformed our learning environment," said Angie McGuire, lead teacher at Fairview South. "The new design is not only beautiful but also more functional and accessible, allowing us to better meet the individual needs of every student and provide them with a space where they can truly thrive."
The updates were made possible following unanimous approval from the district’s Board of Education earlier this year. CG Schmidt Construction and Allume Architects brought the project to life.
Fairview South features redesigned classrooms, a fully accessible sensory room, an apartment for life skills training, a gross motor room with swings, and a newly remodeled Fork Farms hydroponic space, all built with the needs of students in mind.
"We’ve had some facelifts and updates over the years, but this is by far the most extensive renovation," said McGuire. "We’ve created beautiful new spaces for our current students and for those we may serve in the future."
The sensory room in particular has been a highlight for staff and students.
"It’s got a bubble tube and all different lights controlled by a device with color buttons," McGuire said. "If the students want to change all the colors in the room, they just touch a color. It’s very soothing and peaceful for regulation."
The renovation was completed entirely over the summer, with no disruption to students. "By some miracle, the district and CG Schmidt got all of these renovations done over the summer months," McGuire said. "We were back in on the first day of school."
The school also expanded its hydroponic farm, housed in Fairview’s former kitchen. Operated in partnership with Fork Farms and overseen by the district's food service department, the Seeds of Tomorrow hydroponic program gives students a hands-on opportunity to grow fresh lettuce used in school cafeterias across the Elmbrook School District.
"Our students really participate quite a bit," McGuire said. "They do everything from planting and seeding to cleaning. Now we have windows from our hallway to see into the hydroponic space, so it even becomes a sensory experience, with all the lights and greenery."
The program launched with 12 units and expanded to 24 with support from the Elmbrook Education Foundation. According to Caitlin Harrison, director of Food Services, students from high schools also participate through garden and environmental clubs.
"We like to include students from beginning to end," Harrison said.
"They help plant seeds, clean and maintain the units, and highschoolers often come to help harvest."
Harrison said feedback from students and families has been overwhelmingly positive.
"They’re impressed by how much flavor the lettuce has compared to what they’re used to from the grocery store," she said. "Some students even thought the pictures were AI-generated until they saw the farm in person."
The program may continue to grow. Harrison said she hopes to involve more students across different grade levels and potentially host a stand at the local farmers market to raise funds for the district’s nutrition program.
McGuire said the renovation not only elevates the school’s physical environment but also affirms its importance within the district.
"Our parents wanted a space that matched the quality of other learning environments in the district and the district delivered that for us," she said. "The building looks gorgeous and functions beautifully for our students and staff."