What happened
AISD Superintendent Matias Segura and board member Candace Hunter joined staff, parents and students at the school, where students sang their school song, and performed a baile folklórico and a cheer routine.
“This is one of our very first full modernizations for the 2022 bond program,” Segura said. “This is an incredibly exciting day.”
Harris Elementary was built in 1954 and 70 years later will receive a full modernization.
“That means we're tearing it down and building it right back up,” Hunter said. “There's a lot of work ahead of us, but we are endlessly grateful for the support and the continued involvement from the Harris community as we begin the construction phase of this project.”
The project will address facility needs as well as add a new secure entry and outdoor learning space, among other features.
Funding the project
The project was funded by the 2022 bond, approved by voters in November 2022. The total project budget for Harris Elementary is about $56.28 million.
Going forward
Construction will begin this summer, and the school is expected to open back up to students in January 2026.
Students and staff will relocate to the former Sims Elementary School, 1203 Springdale Road, Austin, for the 2024-25 academic year. Sims Elementary closed after the 2020-21 school year and merged with Norman Elementary School.
