Education
BY BROOKE SJOBERG
Georgetown ISD bond-funded instructional facilities progressing
How we got here
In 2021, voters approved a proposition, authoriz- ing the district to issue $333.42 million in bonds for school facilities and capital improvements. Just three years later in May 2024, the district went out for $597.47 million in bonds for capital improvements, school facilities, safety and security.
GISD’s chief of construction services and future readiness initiatives, said more projects for district instructional facilities were approaching the nish line. A replacement of much of Georgetown High School’s roof was recently completed, Vanicek said. About 50% of the total roong material on the building was replaced, he said. Also on the GHS campus, the district’s second agriculture barn is expected to be completed soon, Vanicek said, as ocials work to remediate some issues with landscaping. As the district wraps up some 2021 bond projects, it is just getting started with those funded by the 2024 bond series.
Several projects in Georgetown ISD from both the 2021 and 2024 bond packages are in various stages of progress and completion as the district works to meet growth needs and alleviate overcrowding at some of its campuses. The district opened three new facilities to students at the start of the 2024-25 school year: San Gabriel Elementary School, the new Benold Middle School and the Future Ready Learning Complex. These schools serve growing communities in the district’s west side, such as Santa Rita Ranch and Parmer Ranch, as well as growth in the district’s career and technical education programming. At an Aug. 5 board workshop, Wes Vanicek,
What’s next
Vanicek said the district is currently in the process of designing its third comprehensive high school, to be located near D.B. Wood Road. This was the largest project in the 2024 bond package, he said, and made up the majority of the $597.47 million Proposition A. It will be several years before the school is constructed, he said. Also upcoming is the conversion of the old Benold campus into the new Frost Elementary School.
Building up Several of the projects from the 2021 bond overlap with the beginning of projects from the 2024 bond.
2021 bond 2024 bond
Fall 2023 Old Georgetown High School Ag barn demolished, reconstruction begins
August 12, 2024 New Benold Middle School opens August 13, 2024 San Gabriel Elementary School opens
April 2023 Work begins on new Benold Middle School
September 10, 2024 Future Ready Learning Center opens Fall 2024 Georgetown High School Ag barn to open
Summer 2024 Design underway for HS No. 3 and new Frost Elementary School
May 2023 Work begins on San Gabriel Elementary School
The old Benold Middle School will become the new Frost Middle School.
BROOKE SJOBERGCOMMUNITY IMPACT
SOURCE: GEORGETOWN ISDCOMMUNITY IMPACT
Serving children, youth, and families in our community for over 25 years. NEST Empowerment Center Provides GISD high school students, Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP)
especially those at-risk or homeless, with essential needs, counseling, academic support, and enrichment programs after school. Bridges To Growth Parent Center Equips parent and childcare providers with skills & confidence to create nurturing environments crucial for young children’s development through training, educational classes, support groups, resources all at no cost to the community.
Partners with local businesses to provide paid internships and job readiness skills training, offering GISD high school students valuable entry-level work experience. Youth Leadership & Service Assets in action emphasize the 40 Developmental Assets in young lives, through training, mentorship and leadership opportunities for our youth. The Georgetown Project Collaborative for Children & Youth A coalition of community leaders and youth development professionals, has been working together to help youth thrive.
georgetownproject.org
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GEORGETOWN EDITION
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