It has been nearly 50 years since Booker T. Washington High School had a swim team. But as the high school’s new practice pool nears completion, that will soon change.

Washington’s new pool and natatorium are among several 2012 Bond realignment projects — new, board-approved projects funded by surplus bond savings but  not part of the original scope of work. 

“When the buzz got out about the renovation at our school, the alumni were very happy to introduce the competitive side of swimming to Washington students once again,” Washington Principal Carlos Phillips said. 

Among the major realignment projects are pools and natatoriums at Washington, Milby and Yates high schools, a fine arts wing at Westbury High School, a dining canopy at Sharpstown International School, and a new track at Lawson Middle School. All are nearing completion.

“Our crews have been hard at work throughout the summer to complete these remaining projects,” Construction General Manager Andreas Peeples said. “We are confident students will be excited to see the finished projects.”

Milby’s pool was completed in the spring, and final inspections are being scheduled for the Washington and Yates pools. Yates Principal Tiffany Guillory said the new pool affects not just students on campus, but also the surrounding community.

“Yates has a strong and very involved alumni who wants what’s best for our students,” Guillory said. “Having access to a pool provides students the opportunity to learn how to swim and even participate in competitive swimming.” 

At Westbury, the new fine arts wing and a renovation of existing fine arts rooms was mostly completed earlier this year, with additional upgrades added over the summer. The project has passed all inspections and should be finished in the next month.

The dining canopy at Sharpstown is complete and will allow students to sit outside under shade for lunch. 

Halfway complete, the running track at Lawson is scheduled to be done this fall. The foundation and asphalt have been formed and will cure for a month before the running surface and lane markings can be applied. 

Follow @Build_HISD on Twitter for the latest construction updates on the 2012 Bond Program and school construction across the district.