6 Nov 2005
Community Leaders and School Officials Join for Ribbon-cutting
DALLAS–Parents, teachers and community leaders joined Trustee Jack Lowe and Superintendent Michael Hinojosa today to unveil the new wing at K.B. Polk Vanguard Elementary School, 6911 Victoria Avenue.
"This ceremony and the new addition represents a commitment to the future," said Trustee Lowe. "It shows we care about our students and it symbolizes hope, ambition and success."
The Yvonne A. Ewell Townview Center jazz band performed at the ceremony along with the K.B. Polk choir. The program was followed by a reception.
"We are excited about the improvements and the new addition," said Principal Shirley Williams-Lewis. "Our students are eager to learn and by having a safe and quality environment, the teachers can focus on developing character, confidence and self-discipline–all skills necessary for lifelong learning."
The $8.2 million project includes a new "front door" welcoming students with a colorful mural, an addition with 20 classrooms, one Pre-K classroom, a computer lab and a media center. Other improvements include a new fire sprinkler system, extensive electrical and technology system upgrades, HVAC replacement, a teacher parking lot, student drop-off drive and accessibility improvements.
Pratt-Jackson is the architect for the project, Jacobs/Pegasus is the program manager and Turner Construction Company is the builder.
In January 2002, DISD passed the largest education bond program in the history of Texas. The $1.37 billion program is funding 21 new schools, almost 60 additions that include early childhood additions to present schools, and renovations to nearly every campus in the district. Contractors are working on more than 140 school facilities, including new schools, additions to schools, and renovations to schools. For more information on the bond program, go to www.dallasisd.org/bond.
An additional bond program ceremony scheduled for this fall is the groundbreaking for Frank Guzick Elementary School, 5000 Berridge Lane at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 15.