New year, new projects coming online

The school board’s update for January began with a look at the construction/renovation projects. About 50% of the construction documents have been received for the new Career & Technical Education high school. All should be in by the end of January, and it is still on track for groundbreaking in June.

The groundbreaking for the new middle school in West Odessa took place on January 16. Construction is underway with the school scheduled to open in Fall 2026.

Design plans are being finalized and permitting requirements being obtained for the Permian High School Auditorium renovation. Construction is expected to begin at the end of this school year.

There is a very similar report for the PHS JROTC facility. Design is complete and the project is going out for bid this month. Construction should begin by the end of this school year.

At Odessa High School, the design development phase is underway for the Transition Learning Center. Surveying and geotechnical drilling have been completed, and construction should begin soon.

The Ag Farm is currently in the design development phase and construction is expected to start at the end of this school year.

The Transportation Center is now under contract. The location is 8860 and 8866 NW Loop 338 on 35 acres of land with existing facilities.

Technology projects for Public Address/Bells/Alarms/Clocks are underway. Cabling is complete at Blackshear Elementary, Blanton Elementary, and Milam Elementary. Goliad, Gonzales and

Ireland elementary schools are scheduled next. Hardware installation began at Burleson Elementary the week of January 13 (a reminder that Burleson will be opened as an early education center in August 2025). New surveillance cameras are being installed at OHS now and will begin at PHS next week.

The financial report shows quite a bit of movement taking place. About 5% of bond proceeds have been spent so far, with about 30% now encumbered (designated for specific projects) through purchase orders – that’s nearly $127 million – most of that for the new middle school build.

A color selection committee for the new middle school has met and is considering color combinations for the campus.

Design meetings for the TLC and Ag Farm took place earlier in January and will meet again in the coming weeks.

The Bond Oversight Committee meets again on January 30.