Four new or renovated schools opened for new semester

Three Houston Independent School District high schools and one elementary school opened their doors to welcome students in to new or renovated facilities on Monday.

The schools are Sharpstown, Scarborough and North Forest high schools, and Robinson Elementary School.

Sharpstown was rebuilt and Scarborough was renovated as part of the district’s voter-approved 2012 Bond Program. The construction of the new North Forest High School and renovation of storm-damaged Robinson Elementary School were overseen by the bond team, but not funded with bond dollars.

• Sharpstown High School started classes this semester in a new $62.8 million facility that was built adjacent to its old building. The new school features a two-story, light-filled atrium that will also serve as a dining commons and flexible use area. Other amenities include classrooms equipped with modern technology and grouped into neighborhoods, flexible learning spaces for small and large groups, two gymnasiums, a JROTC building, and a fine arts wing. Read more about Sharpstown’s opening day.
• Scarborough High School wrapped up construction of a new 13,000-square-foot JROTC and fine arts building. The $14.6 million project also included general renovations to the existing building, including a new better-defined and more secure main entry, an upgraded cafeteria and snack bar, and refurbished classrooms, as well as additional site improvements. Read more about Scarborough’s opening day.
• North Forest High School moved across the street from the west side of Mesa Drive into a new facility on the east side. The $59.5 million campus will accommodate 1,500 students and features flexible learning spaces, a modern dining commons, and Career and Technical Education spaces, as well as a unique indoor running track – a first of its kind in HISD. Read more about North Forest’s opening day.
• Robinson Elementary School students returned to their home campus after relocating in September due to Hurricane Harvey. The students spent the fall semester split between Pleasantville Elementary School and neighboring Holland Middle School as crews worked to repair and renovate their home school, which sustained significant damages. The building has since undergone a major interior renovation. All porous surfaces below about 4 feet were removed and replaced, as were cabinets, wood surfaces, vinyl floor tiles, furniture, classroom supplies, and education materials. Additionally, the entire building has been professionally cleaned, sanitized and inspected. Read more about Robinson’s opening day.

Construction is ongoing at roughly two dozen additional campuses across the district. Once complete, HISD will feature one of the most modern portfolios of urban high schools in the country. Follow @Build_HISD on Twitter for the latest updates on the 2012 Bond Program and school construction across the district.