Fort Bend ISD is continuing its expansion with two new elementary schools slated for construction in master-planned communities Harvest Green and Grand Vista.

The FBISD board of trustees approved schematic designs for elementary schools Nos. 49 and 50 during its Sept. 21 meeting. The schools are slated to open for the 2017-18 school year, according to FBISD officials.

Elementary schools Nos. 49 and 50 will be constructed simultaneously alongside Elementary School No. 48 in Sienna Plantation. All three schools are designed under the district’s revised elementary education specifications and are projected to accommodate 850 to 1,000 students.

FBISD Superintendent Charles Dupre said the new designs are intended to create space within the schools that fosters creativity and allow students to collaborate and learn through different teaching methods.

“As Fort Bend ISD designs and builds future schools, it is imperative that we consider the needs of the next generations of learners,” Dupre said. “The newly revised elementary educational specifications include 21st century learning concepts to encourage creativity, collaboration and critical thinking.”

The board also approved the district’s updated facilities master plan, which reflects the district’s projected growth, updated feeder patterns, attendance boundaries and facility conditions.