Construction on a new elementary school in Calallen began on Monday.
The new school is part of a $39.5 million bond proposition that was approved by voters in November 2017.
The school, which is currently under the working name of Calallen West Elementary, is expected to cost between $18 million and $19 million.
(left to right: Robin Ritchey-Roy, Johnnie Bickham, Everett Roy, Steven Floyd, Bill Kelly-Board Member, Royce Cameron-Board Member, Lori Jo Walker – Board Secretary, Heather Luckenbach- Board member, Allen Libbe- Board Member, Dr. Lana Carr – Board VP, Blair McDavid-Director of Operations, Annie Swetish-Rivera-Executive Assistant)
The rest of the bond is being spread out among several projects in the Calallen Independent School District, including a new science wing at the high school.
Calallen Independent School District currently has two campuses for pre-kindergarten through third grade. Both of these campuses are at full capacity.
Fourth and fifth graders are at separate campuses. Reconfiguration of grade levels is also being considered to alleviate overcrowding.
Calallen West Elementary is expected to accommodate 650 students and solve the overcrowding issue.
According to Calallen Superintendent Dr. Arturo Almendarez, the building will take anywhere from 14 to 16 months to complete.
The district is expecting Calallen West Elementary to be open for the start of the 2020 school year.
