The approach
Assistant Superintendent of Operations Chris McCord discussed the zoning process for the two schools, which were part of the 2023 bond, including the challenge posed by growing enrollment in the Grand Oaks area east of I-45.
McCord shared a map of the campus where a wall will be located between Grand Oaks Junior High School and the Grand Oaks Ninth-Grade Campus.
“We have 2,000 [students] total, 800 seats for the junior high and 1,200 for the ninth-grade campus, and I would like to make a special note that’s all we could afford in bond 2023 for this particular building,” McCord said regarding the future of the Grand Oaks area.
Kacy Arnold Elementary, located at 5175 Woodsons Spring Drive in Spring, is scheduled to open in August and is projected to serve 950 students in grades K-6.
What you need to know
Grand Oaks Junior High, located at 28075 Woodson’s Grand Drive in Spring, is scheduled to open in August 2027 and is projected to serve 800 students in grades seven and eight.
The school may relieve overcapacity campuses in the district, including both Clark Intermediate and Cox Intermediate schools, as well as Bradley Elementary School. It will also help address emerging capacity issues at Hines Elementary School, McCord said.
“We would like for the junior high to serve as close as to full capacity of students because the more we can get it closer, the more we can optimize for academic programs, cocurricular, fine arts and sports,” McCord said. “It may require periodic zoning adjustments for the area based on whichever one is adopted.”
What’s next
The district will have community presentations at 6 p.m. Sept. 30 virtually and Oct. 1 at the Walter P. Jett Center at 19043 David Memorial Drive, Shenandoah.
