Category Archives: Business Operations

Thomas MS prepares for new students with building facelift

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Thomas Middle School is getting a facelift this summer thanks to the help of the Houston Independent School District Facilities Services team.

The school is being updated to accommodate incoming middle school students from Woodson, which is transitioning this summer from a prekindergarten through eighth-grade campus to a prekindergarten through fifth-grade academy.

“I am excited for the students,” newly appointed Principal Vernitra Shivers said, noting that she was excited to see the dated campus get an update. “We will be growing in numbers over the summer, so this is needed.”

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Three HISD police sergeants promoted to captain

Three veteran sergeants from the HISD Police Department have been promoted to the new rank of captain, HISD Police Chief Paul Cordova announced on Thursday.

The three are Capt. Richard Morris, Capt. Artina Walker, and Capt. Robert Barbosa, and they will report to Asst. Police Chief Lucretia Rogers. Their promotions take effect on Monday, July 16.

“Each of these officers is a proven leader with a unique skill set and dedicated to our mission of strengthening our relationship with the community as we work to keep our schools and students safe,” Cordova said. “They work well together, and I’m excited to have them on the police department leadership team.”

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Condit ES awarded LEED Silver certification

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Condit Elementary School has received the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silver certification for its new building, which was constructed as part of HISD’s 2012 Bond Program.

Developed by the U.S. Green Building Council, LEED certification provides independent verification of a building’s green features and is the most widely used green building rating system in the world.

Green schools offer improved air quality, lighting, temperature control, and acoustics, as well as reduced operating costs — all of which enhance the overall learning environment and have been shown to boost student health, test scores, and faculty retention.

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Construction Services GM has lifelong love for building things

(Houston Independent School District)Andreas Peeples was in grade school when he first became fascinated with the idea of building things.

At just 8, he often found himself staring at walls, trying to figure out how they stood up by themselves and what they were made of.

“I would go behind the door and poke little holes in the wall to see what was in there,” Peeples said.

Now, the general manager for HISD’s Construction Services is responsible for building them.

With a bachelor’s degree in construction and engineering and a masters in management, Peeples oversees school construction across the district, including the voter-approved 2012 Bond Program, which calls for the renovation or rebuilding of 40 schools. Continue reading →

Milestone for 2012 Bond Program as construction gets underway at Bellaire HS

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Excavators roared to life at Bellaire High School last month, marking the beginning of construction on the new facility and a significant milestone in the 2012 Bond Program, as all remaining projects are now underway.

The first phase of construction — also known as pre-construction — includes installation of underground detention and site utilities, demolition of the Career and Technology Education building, and creation of a temporary parking area to replace the South Rice Boulevard lot, which will become part of the construction site. Continue reading →

Hilliard ES home at last after being displaced by Harvey

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Hilliard Elementary School has officially moved back to their home campus this week, after being relocated last fall due to flood damage resulting from Hurricane Harvey.

The school — including all classrooms, the library, and the gym — has been completely restored, as have the campus grounds. Additionally, a new retention pond and extensive storm drainage system have been added to prevent future flooding.

Newly appointed Principal Erika Kimble said she is glad to be a part of Hilliard’s new beginning, and is looking forward to working in the renovated building.

“I’m excited about joining the Hilliard family,” Kimble said. “We’ll all get a fresh start together in this beautiful building. I can’t wait to welcome the students back in August.” Continue reading →

HISD ‘Get Growing Houston’ school garden program awarded grant from USDA 

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The Houston Independent School District has been awarded a $67,395 grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture for the district’s “Get Growing Houston” program.

Part of the USDA’s Farm to School Program, the grant will enable HISD’s Nutrition Services department to expand the program to 15 additional schools, which will be selected in the fall.

The program was piloted during the 2017-2018 school year in four elementary schools: Hobby, Shearn, Gallegos, and Cook.

“Get Growing Houston” uses an interdisciplinary approach to teach elementary school students about the importance of healthy foods and good nutrition through the creation and cultivation of school gardens.

“Once students feel the ownership of the garden, their preferences and willingness to try the produce they grew increases,” HISD Food Literacy Dietitian Julia Jarrell said. “It also opens the discussion to the benefits of a healthy diet, agriculture and cultural preferences, and exposure to other people’s relationship with foods.”   Continue reading →

Eastwood Academy library addition nearing completion

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Eastwood Academy is set to open a new two-story library wing this August as crews put the finishing touches on the second and final phase of the school’s expansion and renovation project.

Installation of exterior masonry and mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems have been completed, and window installation is set to wrap up this week. Crews are in the process of hanging sheetrock inside the addition, which will be followed by internal inspections and installation of internal fixtures and finishes.     Continue reading →

HSPVA and HSLJ graduating seniors get glimpse of new facilities

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It was a bittersweet moment for seniors from the High School for the Performing and Visual Arts (HSPVA) and High School for Law and Justice (HSLJ) as they recently got a sneak peek inside their schools’ newly constructed buildings.

HSLJ students held a senior awards breakfast in their new building, while HSPVA students were treated to a barbeque lunch during their visit. Both groups posed for a special class photo to commemorate the occasion.

“We really wanted them to see the new building before they moved on,” HSLJ Principal Carol Mosteit said. “The students were amazed when they walked in. Their faces were priceless.”

As part of HISD’s voter-approved 2012 Bond Program, both schools are receiving new buildings, which will be completed later this year. HSLJ will open to students in August, and HSPVA will open to students in January 2019. Continue reading →

Austin HS undergoes demolition to make room for new facility

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Demolition is underway at Austin High School, where crews are working to bring down the back section of the building along South Lockwood Drive, making way for a new $79.6 million campus.

Asbestos abatement will be completed this month, and demolition already has been completed on the water tower, agriculture building, and workshop. The remainder of the demolition is expected to wrap up in June. Continue reading →