David Biesheuvel, GISD executive director of construction and development, informed the district board during an Aug. 17 meeting that except for a few small punch list items, the buildings are ready to welcome students in September.
“We do have use of facilities, and for all practical purposes it is complete,” Biesheuvel said.
He added that furniture has been delivered, and teachers are already inside organizing for the new school year.
Williams and Wolf Ranch broke ground in June 2019 to address continued growth in the district.
Williams is located on Rockride Lane near the new Fairhaven housing development and built to accommodate 850 students.
Wolf Ranch is located off D.B. Wood Road south of Hwy. 29, and it, too, will host 850 students. The students who were previously scheduled to attended Pickett Elementary School through their feeder pattern will now attend Wolf Ranch. The Pickett Elementary School building will be used by teachers for remote learning at the beginning of the 2020-21 school year until further decisions are made, district officials said.
Funding for both schools' construction was paid through the $160.5 million school bond voters approved in 2018.
GISD's first day of school is Aug. 20 but due to the coronavirus pandemic will start its year with three weeks of virtual learning. The first day of optional in person classes is Sept. 10.
Other 2018 bond updates:
- Tippit Middle School athletic wing renovation is nearly complete with the exception of the installation of lockers that will take place in late September. Biesheuvel said the locker rooms will be completed by the end of August.
- East View High School classroom renovations are also nearly completed. The district is waiting for moveable glass panels to be delivered in September and is working to complete final interior finishes.
- Georgetown High School secure walkway that will connect the school's two buildings has been paved. The walkway wall that will separate students from any vehicle traffic is in the works, and the canopy will soon be installed, Biesheuvel said. The project is expected to be completed in late September.
