Anne McCormick Sullivan Elementary School is Fort Bend ISD's 47th elementary school. Once complete, the two-story school is designed to accommodate 1,200 students.[/caption]

Construction on Anne McCormick Sullivan Elementary School, Fort Bend ISD’s 47th elementary school, began May 11 in the Riverstone master-planned community.

The two-story, 150,576-square-foot school is expected to open in 2016 at 17828 Winding Waters Lane, Sugar Land. The elementary school is the first on-site school in Riverstone.

Construction of the school is estimated to cost $42.9 million and is designed to accommodate 1,200 students. Once construction is complete, the elementary school will be the second FBISD school certified by the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design program, a program recognizing buildings designed to promote clean, renewable energy.

“This will be a state-of-the-art school from the inside out,” said Trey Reichert, Riverstone vice president and general manager. “We are excited to see it taking shape in the community.”

The school will be headed by current Austin Parkway Elementary Principal Donna Whisonant. Whisonant was named principal of Anne McCormick Sullivan Elementary earlier this year.

The school is named after Anne Sullivan, Dulles High School graduate and former Houston firefighter. Sullivan was killed in May 2013 while fighting a burning building in Houston.

“Ms. Sullivan’s deep ties to Fort Bend ISD, her drive and determination to succeed despite learning and speech disabilities identified early in life, and her bravery in the line of duty will be revered for generations to come,” said Dr. Christie Whitbeck, deputy superintended for FBISD.