The district broke ground on modernization work at five schools in April and May. Funding for the multimillion-dollar projects was approved by voters in the district’s $2.44 billion bond election in 2022.
Zooming in
AISD is completing a full modernization of Oak Springs Elementary, which was built in 1958, while completing the first phase of modernizations for some middle and high school campuses.
Oak Springs Elementary
- Broke ground: April 28
- Completion date: spring 2027
- Cost: $47.62 million
- Project details: fully modernized campus with flexible spaces, mental health and wellness areas, outdoor learning opportunities, community support spaces, professional learning centers, enhanced security features and technology upgrades
- Broke ground: May 5
- Completion date: spring 2027
- Cost: $66.55 million
- Project details: Phase 1 modernization with athletic field upgrades, including scoreboard, artificial turf, resurfaced track, seating, lights, concessions and restrooms; secure entry vestibule; and HVAC, electrical, plumbing, roofing and technology improvements
- Broke ground: May 12
- Completion date: spring 2027
- Cost: $47.41 million
- Project details: Phase 1 modernization with athletic field upgrades, including scoreboard, artificial turf, resurfaced track, seating, lights, concessions and restrooms; improvements to gyms and locker rooms; secure entry vestibule; and HVAC, electrical, plumbing and technology improvements
- Broke ground: May 14
- Completion date: spring 2028
- Cost: $117.86 million
- Project details: Phase 1 modernization with athletic field upgrades, including scoreboard, artificial turf, resurfaced track, seating, lights, concessions and restrooms; improvements to gyms and locker rooms; school mental health center; secure entry vestibule; and HVAC, electrical, plumbing, roofing and technology improvements
- Broke ground: May 27
- Completion date: fall 2027
- Cost: $61.45 million
- Project details: Phase 1 modernization with school mental health center; secure entry vestibule; and kitchen, HVAC, electrical, plumbing and technology improvements
“Public schools are the backbone of Austin, and it’s great to see our communities show up time and time again for our students,” school board President Lynn Boswell said in a news release. “With these groundbreakings, we’re another step closer to delivering state-of-the-art learning spaces that are safer, more collaborative and more engaging for our students and educators.”
Zooming out
Austin ISD has now broken ground on 15 of 25 total modernization projects across the district. The first modernizations are expected to open in the spring of 2026, according to AISD information.
In March, the district opened a newly renovated Odom Elementary with open concept areas, a school mental health center, prekindergarten classroom upgrades and additions, and a community pantry. Open-concept renovations of Oak Hill, Williams and Cook elementaries are slated to be complete this fall.
Additionally, the district has completed 28 secure entry vestibules and 131 new security improvements such as new fencing. AISD is set to begin constructing 36 new secure entry vestibules this summer.
Something to note
Many AISD campuses undergoing modernization work are receiving school mental health centers.
The centers will house licensed mental health professionals and counselors who may lead individual or group mental health sessions as well as counseling activities for classes, according to AISD information. Students may participate in self-regulation techniques, skill-building, play therapy sessions and traditional short-term counseling.
The centers are designed to reduce barriers like transportation and costs that may prevent students from accessing mental health services. Meeting students’ mental health needs may improve academic outcomes by better equipping them to learn, according to AISD information.
