LAMPASAS, Texas (KXAN) — About three months after voters approved a more than $115 million bond package, Lampasas ISD officials said work is underway on several projects, including the district’s largest undertaking: replacing Lampasas Middle School.
The bond package, approved by voters in May, includes construction of a new middle school, safety and security improvements at multiple campuses and the replacement of about 35 school buses.
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According to Superintendent Shane Roscoe, the district has already purchased 15 buses included in the bond package, including general education and special education buses. District leaders are also moving forward with planning for the new middle school.
“We’re currently right now in the schematic design phase, looking in September to be completed with it,” Roscoe said.
For Lampasas Middle School Principal James Allison, the campus has been part of his family’s history for generations.
“I went to high school here, my parents went to high school here,” Allison said. “My kids went to school here. I still have one that’s still going to school here.”
But despite its history, Allison said the aging campus no longer meets the needs of students.
“It has stood the test of time, I will say, but it is not what we would need in present day,” Allison said.
District officials said the current middle school has undergone multiple renovations over the years. Roscoe said aging infrastructure, safety concerns and the condition of the campus were among the reasons district leaders sought voter approval for a replacement.
Allison said one of the biggest challenges is the campus layout.
“We kind of have some, like a very open concept here at the middle school. I mean, all our classes open up to the outside,” Allison said.
Lampasas Middle School Teacher Cecelia Parrish echoed that concern, emphasizing openness can create security concerns.
“Just the fact that I just walk up behind here, and there’s all these open windows … sometimes I think I should close them just in case,” Parrish said.
The bond package also includes security improvements at other district campuses, though Roscoe said those projects will likely move forward after significant progress on the middle school project.
Once the new school is complete, students would move into the new facility before the existing campus is demolished.
“I’m sure they’re all gonna love it. It’s going to be adjustment for everyone, but it’s going to be a good one for sure,” Parrish said.
According to district officials, the new middle school is currently set for completion in 2029. Once finished, the site of the current middle school is expected to be redeveloped into a football field and track.