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Comal ISD officials broke ground on a new multipurpose building Aug. 6.
The building will be home to Canyon High School's Air Force Junior ROTC, or AFJROTC, and Career and Technical Education programs.
The details
The AFJROTC program is directed by Lt. Col. Tim Biltz, who said the new facility is a "growth opportunity." The building will have an air rifle range inside, a flight simulator and a space for cadets to train for competitions, Biltz said.
“In our aviation program, we have a retired Marine helicopter pilot who used to fly the president around, and we’re going to have two certified FAA [Federal Aviation Administration] simulators upstairs,” he said. “So my kids are going to be able to go upstairs and get flight time on it.”
CISD trustee Tim Hennessee said he is looking forward to seeing the new space and how it will help the program expand and serve more students.
The $23.55 million project is funded through Proposition A in the district's voter-approved 2021 bond, CISD officials said.
Quote of note
Annabella Chairez, a CHS junior and AFJROTC cadet logistics officer, said she is excited for the flight simulator.
“It’s always been my dream to serve my country,” Chairez said. "I really like the program here. It has definitely helped me [get] out of my shell and really grew me as a person. It has taught me things that I wouldn’t have learned anywhere else.”
Looking ahead
The project is expected to be completed by fall 2027, CISD officials said.
