The following is an update from BHS Pricipal Michael McDonough about the rebuild of Bellaire High School.
The Bellaire HS Project Advisory Team (PAT) formed in September 2013 as a result of the Houston ISD voters approving a $1.89 Billion Bond Project. Bellaire was originally slated to have a new building program design for 2800-3100 students, and an original budget of $106 Million. The project has faced challenges throughout as we worked closely with our school community, the larger city of Bellaire, and the HISD Bond Office. All three factions remained committed to both constructing a new building while maintaining school. It’s been tough for sure. Yet I have an update that gives me the most confidence that we are finally on our way. Below are some bullets to try and bring you up to speed.
- The PAT met Monday, April 24 for the first time in more than 6 months.
- Trustee Mike Lunceford informed those in attendance that the hopes for acquiring the Chevron property was no longer viable yet we had some new ideas in play. Specifically, Trustee Lunceford coordinated with the HISD Bond Office to explore the idea of moving baseball off site to the HISD property where the Chinese Immersion School (formerly Gordon ES) had been located at the corner of Bissonnet and Avenue B (within the City of Bellaire).
- By moving the baseball program off site, our architects were able to take a fresh look at how our site plan could be coordinated.
- The new plan allows us to meet the needs of the project and the desires of the surrounding community.
- All students will remain on campus throughout the construction process.
- The project is planned to be completed in two phases. The first phase will include construction of all classrooms, shared spaces, fine arts, gyms, pool and food services. This large single phase is expected to take 24-30 months. The second phase will include the parking garage and administrative offices as well as athletic field(s). This should take one additional year.
- Student drop off, faculty/staff parking, and HISD busses are segmented so as to manage traffic needs as well as not disrupt near neighbors.
- HISD Bond Office plans to submit a site plan to the City of Bellaire within 30 days.
Additionally, yesterday morning the HISD Board of Education approved a district proposal to add $99 Million to a number of Bond Projects. As a result, the Bellaire project will have $9.5 Million added to our budget to allow for us to construct the new building for 3100 students with an auditorium that matches the capacity of our current auditorium; and a smaller amount to construct the new baseball facility at the off site HISD location. By using this money on bond campus priorities, the HISD is ensuring that Houston voters get what they were promised when they voted for the bond.
I hope that you have a renewed optimism regarding our project. I am thankful for the time & energy put into this effort by everyone – and I do mean everyone. I have always relied upon the Bellaire Community remaining participatory, and that commitment is what led to us finally getting a plan that will produce a top notch 21st Century facility while keeping our kids on campus!
I will continue to keep you informed as the site plan progresses with the City of Bellaire and I expect a larger community meeting in the early 2017 fall semester. In the interim, please do not hesitate to let me know if you have any questions or concerns.
Enjoy the day,
Michael
