DIGGING IN
BISD officials break ground for new campus
By Lori Mellinger Bullard Banner News

Superintendent Jim Wright, board members and members of WRLconstruction break ground on the new elementary campus. Wright said the campus doors should be open by August 2008.

Bullard ISD Superintendent Jim Wright said Monday was a celebration.

At the official groundbreaking ceremony for the new elementary campus, Wright said the event was, "a celebration."

"It's also giving thanks to the Bullard community for its unending support," he said.

The ceremony - held at the site of the new campus on Schoolhouse Road - featured the Bullard Band, BISD board members, city council members and Bullard City Manager Larry Morgan.

Also in attendance were members of the facilities committee and school personnel.

Bullard Independent School District voters OK'd a bond issue - wide in scope - for the growth and other needs of the district in November, but on April 9, they could see some concrete beginnings to the fruits of their labor.

BISD put a $29.5 million bond to a vote in November - calling first for a new elementary school

"We've done a lot of preliminary work," said Superintendent Jim Wright. "Now it's time to begin construction."

When the district began meeting early last year and formed a facilities committee to study the needs of the district, the top priority was a new elementary campus.

The new campus for will house grades second through fourth, with a core for 800 students and academics for 600 students in 80,000 square feet, to accommodate 525 students.

Also included in the package were:

! Maintaining the Bullard Elementary as Bullard Primary School for grades Pre-K - first with maintenance and upgrades made for maintenance and operations budgeted funds and proposed bond funds, to accommodate 415 students.

! Maintaining the intermediate campus for grades five and six, with renovations of cafeteria and modernizing current classrooms and computer labs. Construct 7,630 square feet for science classrooms and labs and a library. Demolish older while building and make a new entry to the campus, to accommodate 350 students.

! Maintaining Bullard Middle School for grades seventh and eighth with maintenance and upgrades made from M&O budgeted funds and proposed bond funds, to accommodate 350 students.

! Maintaining the high school and construct a new fine arts center with two classrooms and drama room, expand the dining area and expand seating on the south side of the gym. Construct a new stadium with all-weather track, all to accommodate 700 students.