Phase 1 bond projects
kick off with campus
renovations, new
CTE Center
2
A
s construction started across
the street from Naaman
Forest High School last month,
so did neighborhood chatter.
The future Career and Technical
Education (CTE) Center draws
much anticipation and excitement.
It is one of many Bond 2014
projects currently underway.
“Seeing the construction makes
me excited to tell friends and visitors
about Garland ISD,” said Naaman
Forest Principal Erika Crump. “We
recently had a group of Dutch
educators visit, and they were so
impressed by the opportunities
already available to students and
how many more the CTE Center will
provide. The district truly supports all
of our students’ interests and futures.”
Set to make its debut in 2017-18,
the CTE Center will allow students to
explore interests regardless of their
home campuses. Courses include
everything from animation to culinary
arts to engineering, offered in
morning or afternoon sessions. The
Center will also boast Garland ISD
and Junior Achievement of
Dallas’ joint
connected
venture—BizTown—a
simulated city designed to teach
sixth-graders about participating in a
global economy.
In addition to the CTE Center, 13
campuses and a Natatorium are
included in the Phase 1 bond schedule
as well. Southgate Elementary School
is within that first batch. More than $3
million is budgeted for the campus,
with electrical, plumbing and window
upgrades among slated projects.
“We are extremely excited about the
updates that are coming to Southgate,”
said Principal Quinton Darden. “Not
only are our students and staff going
to the next level, so is our building.
The needed updates will continue to
boost our campus and community
morale, as we take pride in our school
that has been standing tall since 1963.
We are grateful that our district and
community have invested in providing
our students a renovated building.”
Band and choir room additions,
cameras, fire alarms and secured
vestibules are just some of the
enhancements campuses will soon
receive. But other GISD facilities
are already showcasing upgrades.
Baseball and softball fields at district
high schools were improved in the
spring. The installation of lights,
concessions, restrooms and ticket
booths at all fields ensure equity and
Title IX compliance.
“Restrooms and concessions were
a definite need because some of
our fields are not near schools,” said
Director of Athletics Cliff Odenwald.
“We are also glad lights have been
installed. In the past, we had to start
games early, which was inconvenient
with a lot of work schedules and
caused parents to miss part of play.”
R
enovations and
developments will continue
at Phase 1 locations throughout
the summer. To see the Bond
2014 project schedule, as well as
additional updates and pictures,
visit www.garlandisdbond.com.