SAN ANTONIO — Onsite construction is underway as of this month on a new Uvalde elementary school planned in the wake of the May 2022 shooting at Robb Elementary.
“The significance of the school is to help the community here in Uvalde to move forward from the tragedy—to build healing, to build hope and to have a school here on this site that will be here for decades to come," said Tim Miller, executive director of the Uvalde Moving Forward Foundation, which has led planning and fundraising efforts for the new school.
Construction of the still-unnamed new school is expected to cost at least $51 million. Officials are touting vast security upgrades, including nine-foot-tall gates, keyless entry points and an access road that makes it specifically easier for first responders to get to the school. It will also have an air-conditioned gym and two playgrounds, including one for children with special needs.
“This school definitely meets all the minimum requirements that the Texas Education Agency (TEA) has put out for new construction," Miller said on Tuesday. "It also goes above and beyond that in many areas. It incorporates many things that the community advisory committee wanted to see in the school."
Though a groundbreaking event was held in October, ongoing construction was delayed so that the Uvalde Moving Forward Foundation could consider all contractor bids. The foundation decided to go with San Antonio-based Satterfield & Pontikes, which has developed buildings for both universities and public schools.
Construction officially began March 4, according to the foundation.
While the foundation says it's only raised about 68% of the money needed for the project as of Monday, it also announced a newly received a $1 million donation courtesy of Texas businessman John Nau III.
Initial donations totaling $10 million kicked off fundraising efforts for the new school, plans for which were approved by Uvalde CISD trustees in April 2023. About $20 million is still needed to "fully fund the construction of the new school."
“It’s our hope that this gift along with the gifts that will come behind it will help this community in moving forward following the tragedy," said Katie Reynolds, director of corporate communications at Silver Eagle Beverages, which helped award the $1 million check at the construction site.
“It’s humbling that you’re taking on something that carries so much weight," added John Marshall, chief revenue officer with Satterfield & Pontikes. “When it can help with the healing and the bringing together of a community that’s been through what this community has, it’s really special.”
Construction on the school, which will replace Robb Elementary, is expected to take 18 months. Miller says the goal is to reach finish line in September 2025.
Nineteen students and two teachers were killed at Robb Elementary when a gunman entered the campus in May 2022. Loved ones of victims are still seeking accountability from responding law enforcement agencies nearly two years later.
>MORE UVALDE COVERAGE:
---
Learn more about KENS 5:
Since going on the air in 1950, KENS 5 has strived to be the best, most trusted news and entertainment source for generations of San Antonians.
KENS 5 has brought numerous firsts to South Texas television, including being the first local station with a helicopter, the first with its own Doppler radar and the first to air a local morning news program.
Over the years, KENS 5 has worked to transform local news. Our cameras have been the lens bringing history into local viewers' homes. We're proud of our legacy as we serve San Antonians today.
Today, KENS 5 continues to set the standard in local broadcasting and is recognized by its peers for excellence and innovation. The KENS 5 News team focuses on stories that really matter to our community.
You can find KENS 5 in more places than ever before, including KENS5.com, the KENS 5 app, the KENS 5 YouTube channel, KENS 5's Roku and Fire TV apps, and across social media on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and more!
Want to get in touch with someone at KENS 5? You can send a message using our Contacts page or email one of our team members.