Ground is already turning at the site of San Marcos CISD's new satellite transportation center, but trustees, staffers and students gathered Friday for the official ground breaking of the $3.8 million project.

Superintendent Michael Cardona said this was the first of many ground breakings. The transportation center is part of a $107.3 million bond approved by voters in 2017 that includes funding for a new elementary school, an addition to San Marcos High School and renovations to several campuses.

"This is change and progress," Cardona said before grabbing a shovel and a hard hat.

The 5,100-square-foot transportation center, designed by Perkins+Will, will include office space, a garage for bus storage and maintenance, a fueling station and two work bays. It also leaves some acreage open for future expansion.

The facility is located at 185 E. De Zavala Drive, across the street from De Zavala Elementary School.

Construction began Feb. 9 and will end Aug. 24. The bond also includes the purchase of 10 new buses.

Crews are expected to start construction on the new elementary school in June, and work on the high school addition will begin this summer. Renovations for the other school campuses will begin in the fall and last through 2020.