Richardson ISD school board unanimously approved $486.7 million for the district’s six middle school transformation projects at the May 7 meeting.
RISD’s middle school transformation, which transitions sixth graders from elementary to junior high campuses, includes the construction of four new middle school campuses and two renovations and additions to junior highs.
The big picture
The board approved $486.7 million in guaranteed maximum prices for the six projects, which are estimates from contractors of the maximum amount needed for a project. Any savings at the end of the project will return to the district, said Le Estes, executive director of facilities planning, design and construction.
The approved funds include the majority of building components for Liberty, Parkhill, Westwood and Richardson North middle schools, but only the first phase of construction at Richardson West Middle School and the second phase at Apollo Middle School.
Over the next two years, new campuses for Liberty, Parkhill, Richardson West and Westwood will be constructed, while Apollo and Richardson North are set to receive additions and renovations to their existing buildings.
Breaking it down
The funds come from the 2025 bond package that Richardson ISD voters approved in November. Estes said the approved guaranteed maximum prices are all under budget.
Richardson West’s first phase includes foundation work, earthwork, site utilities, structural steel and the early procurement of select equipment, while Apollo’s second phase includes foundation work, demolition, structural steel, site utilities and the early procurement of elevators.
“Each one of our architect partners did a great job of making sure each campus was very specific,” Estes said. “They all are Richardson ISD schools, but each campus has a very unique feel.”
What’s next
Construction is set to begin in June and all six middle schools expected to be complete in August 2028. Campuses will remain fully operational during construction, with portable classrooms planned for some construction phases at Apollo and North.
“All campuses will remain fully operational during all of construction,” Estes said. “Students and staff, they remain a priority.”
