AUSTIN, TEXAS (March 20, 2024) — Last night Austin ISD hosted a construction kick-off event for Oak Hill Elementary School, a celebration marking the start of an extensive school renovation project as well as the campus’ 50th anniversary.
Constructed in 1974, Oak Hill’s campus was designed with an open-concept floor plan, meaning it was built without doors or full walls between many of the classrooms.
This design style was popular in the 1970s but is not well-suited for today’s learning.
Oak Hill is one of four open-concept schools that will be renovated as part of the district’s $2.44 billion bond program that voters approved in November 2022.
The open-concept facilities at Cook Elementary, Odom Elementary and Williams Elementary will also be renovated.
“Renovating our open concept campuses will help ensure that all of our students and teachers have the benefit of modern learning environments that meet our standards, and these upgrades will increase safety and security as we are doing across the district,” said Matias Segura, Superintendent of Austin ISD.
Designed by Smith & Company Architects and built by Cadence McShane Construction, the school’s renovation will enclose the classrooms and create new open collaboration areas and small group spaces. It will also construct a new secure entry vestibule at the front entrance.
“With these new spaces, the school will be filled with light, vibrant colors, and flexibility for our teachers and students,” said Principal Lori Komassa.
“Beyond the appearance, one of the most important benefits of the redesign is that it will make our school safer.
I want to thank our project team, Campus Architectural Team and the entire Oak Hill community for their efforts and support throughout this process. We are thrilled to get this work started.”
In addition to the open concept renovations, the 2022 Bond program will also fund the modernization of 25 schools through full or phased renovations as well as district-wide safety and security upgrades, repairs to failing building systems, technology upgrades and other improvements.
For information on
the Oak Hill Elementary School construction project and 2022 Bond Program, visit www.AISDfuture.com.
ABOUT AUSTIN ISD:
Austin ISD is Austin’s home for inclusive learning: high expectations for all children, high outcomes for every student.
Austin ISD is the largest school district in central Texas and our students’ SAT and ACT scores exceed state and national averages.
The district has more National Board Certified Teachers than any school district in Texas.
Austin ISD is recognized as the largest No Place for Hate school district in the nation by the Anti-Defamation League.
Follow Austin ISD on Facebook at www.facebook.com/austinisd, Instagram at @AustinISD or on X at @AustinISD. For more information, visit austinisd.org.
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