AUSTIN, TEXAS (May 22, 2024) — Austin ISD held five groundbreaking and construction kick-off ceremonies in May for 2022 Bond projects: Williams Elementary (May 2), Cook Elementary (May 4), Wooten Elementary (May 9), Harris Elementary (May 14) and Sadler Means Young Women’s Leadership Academy (May 21).
The events formally marked the start of construction for these projects funded through the district’s historic $2.44 billion program, which will improve safety and security at schools across the district, upgrade technology, make critical repairs to building systems, enhance athletic fields at every high school and modernize 25 campuses through full or phased renovations.
Students, teachers, district leaders and community members gathered at each of the campuses to celebrate the milestones with student performances and remarks from Superintendent Matias Segura, district trustees and the school principals. Williams and Cook elementary schools kicked off the start of renovations to open-concept spaces by hanging a ceremonial garland created by students, while Wooten, Harris and Sadler Means YWLA students helped “turn the dirt” for their future fully modernized schools.
“By modernizing these schools, we’re making a tremendous impact on the learning environment and improving the experience of students for generations to come,” said Austin ISD Superintendent Matias Segura. “Every campus will be uniquely designed by and for the communities they serve. It has been amazing to see such hands-on involvement to customize the needs of these schools.”
Each school receiving an open-concept renovation or modernization has a Campus Architectural Team (CAT) composed of teachers, staff, and family nd community members who provide guidance to the design team throughout the planning process. The CATs play an integral role in ensuring the new building meets he needs of their school community.
“The 2022 Bond was the largest bond in district history, so these projects are just the beginning of a wide range of improvements that will benefit all of Austin ISD,” said Board President Arati Singh. “There is a lot of work ahead of us, but we know it will be well worth it when our students and teachers walk into these modernized spaces for the first time. Thank you to the voters for making these projects possible.” Four additional modernizations are expected to break ground this Fall. For more information on the modernization projects included in the 2022 Bond Program, visit www.AISDFuture.com.
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