“We don’t have a facility like that in the district,” trustee Mark Lewandowski said at the meeting. “I think [Tomball ISD Innovation Center] fits much better for what the actual purpose of the facility is.”
The district has been referring to the former headquarters as the Eastside Complex.
The board of trustees considered two other naming options for the facility: Tomball ISD Institute of Excellence and Tomball ISD Destination Plaza. Although not a voting member of the board, Superintendent Martha Salazar-Zamora said Tomball ISD Innovation Center was her top choice for the name.
Trustee Michael Pratt said the word “innovation” resonates with the goal of the district and the use of the facility.
“Innovation is a change in the process of which an organization transforms labor, capital, material or information into products and services with greater value,” Pratt said. “We’re here to provide that service of greater value.”
The district plans to build one elementary school on the property, according to previous reporting. TISD also plans to relocate Tomball Star Academy, and add career and technical education space to the complex.
During the meeting, the board also approved a $1 million contract with Lockwood, Andrews and Newnam, Inc., for development and renovation of the newly named Tomball ISD Innovation Center. Zamora said the first priority is to renovate the facility for new office space.
Funds are included in the district's $567.5 million bond referendum on the Nov. 2 ballot for further renovations at the complex.
