The new Sergeant Paul Smith Middle School opened in August 2008 with a flurry of activity and enthusiasm from new students, teachers and staff. The 1,550 student school was designed to meet and complement the Citrus Park Comprehensive Plan. Taking advantage of efficiencies inherent in locating a new school in close proximity to existing public facilities, a design strategy was developed to maintain an exceptionally compact building footprint, maximize shared public spaces, utilize renewable and recyclable building materials and incorporate teaching tools within the architecture. The new campus supports the school’s mission of providing a safe, caring and rigorous learning environment in which all students may reach their fullest potential.