The overview
The project, part of the 2022 bond, will demolish the current Pecan Springs Elementary to build a modernized facility in its place.
The new campus will include outdoor learning areas, flexible learning spaces, collaborative areas for educators and security upgrades.
Some of the design aspects, particularly learning areas, were inspired by nature and the four seasons, Pecan Springs Elementary Principal Andrea Williams said.
“Our new school will be a vibrant reflection of Pecan Springs' legacy of academic excellence and our sense of school pride,” Williams said.
The school, which opened in 1957, will receive updated maintenance infrastructure, which will be more cost-effective than repairing broken maintenance equipment, Austin ISD Superintendent Matias Segura said. Pecan Springs last received updated maintenance and technology equipment as part of the 2017 bond.
Segura said the modernization is part of AISD’s effort to “address historical inequities” within the district and support underserved communities. The campus has a population of around 63% Hispanic students and 28% Black students, according to 2023 district data.
The total project budget for the modernization will cost $47.66 million.
The design was made in collaboration with the Campus Architectural Team, which includes parents, teachers and community members, and the modernization project team, Williams said. The project team is made up of program manager AECOM, architecture and engineering by O’Connell Robertson, and construction by Vaughn Construction. The school is designed to meet specific requirements from the district, including specifications for restrooms, gyms and classroom spaces.
District officials, District 1 trustee Candace Hunter, project team members, and Pecan Springs students, staff, families, alumni and community members were in attendance at the groundbreaking event. The event included remarks from attendees and student performances.
What’s next
Construction will start “as soon as school’s out [Dec. 20],” Segura said. The project is expected to be completed in fall 2026. All Pecan Springs Elementary school activities will be in portable buildings at Winn Montessori Elementary School as construction continues.
This is the 12th groundbreaking from the 2022 bond. There are 13 remaining, totaling 25 modernization or renovation projects for aged facilities. The last school is expected to open in 2028.
