Unprecedented support from the community continues to allow major improvements on the campus of the Houston R-1 School District.
In April 2019, voters approved a $6 million bond issue to build a new gymnasium on campus. It came just six years after a $4 million bond in 2013 to connect the high school and middle school buildings, expand the cafeteria and construct a new library/media center.
No two Houston Schools bond issues have ever passed with few time between them. And not only did they pass, they did so overwhelmingly. The 2013 measure received 72 percent support while the 2019 bond was approved by 69 percent of the community.
“This is a huge step for our district, our kids and our community,” said Dr. Allen Moss, superintendent. “What a great night for the Houston School District and the City of Houston.”
The Houston Schools bond issue, which won 738-328, is the first of two phases proposed by the school board to improve security, renovate current facilities and build a new gymnasium on campus. The structure will seat 1,650 –– more than doubling the size of Hiett Gymnasium –– with an additional 500 seats to be added by another bond issue in 4-5 years.
The biggest mission of campus improvements, according to Moss, is student safety. He said students are currently required to travel outdoors for classes in the Hiett Gymnasium complex –– physical education, band, choir and art –– and are bused to vocational classes as well as weight training in the Big Red Building.
Included in the plans are moving the weight room to the lobby of Hiett Gymnasium as well as relocating vocational classes inside the new construction. Preliminary plans show two business classrooms as well as an agriculture classroom. Hiett will be be renovated to make its main function for extra-curricular events such as choir and band concerts. Acoustic panels will be mounted to the walls and a large portable stage will be constructed. It will also continue to double as a practice facility and possibly be used for additional courts for tournaments.
The gym not only updates the district’s main sports facility, but it also allows Houston to host tournaments –– from its own to postseason games from the Missouri High School Activities Association.