January 23, 2020

On Jan. 21, a community meeting was held to share information on the designs for two projects from the 2018 bond program: the Walnut Springs Elementary relocation to the Dripping Springs Middle School site/DSMS renovations and construction of the district’s fifth elementary school on Darden Hill Road.

The designs of the two elementary school projects, which are the result of nearly a year of input gathering from stakeholders, had previously been shared at DSISD Board of Trustee meetings in November (WSE/DSMS project) and December (both projects). At the community meeting, architect Douglas Koehne of Corgan reviewed priorities for both elementary schools that were developed during the extensive input-gathering phase and explained the project scope. He reviewed the timeline, and displayed the overall site plan for both properties. Mr. Koehne introduced proposed traffic flow plans, but explained that a traffic impact analysis is still in progress for both projects, so the traffic patterns are still being developed. He then shared floor plans for the new school buildings, as well as renderings of the interior and exterior of the schools.

In addition to the designs of the elementary schools, Mr. Koehne shared an update on plans for renovations to Dripping Springs Middle School. DSMS is slated for renovations that will create collaborative learning spaces, develop outdoor learning places, and include an upgraded area for Functional Academics.

Audience members also had the opportunity to ask questions about the projects.

Corgan currently is preparing construction documents. Construction of both facilities are scheduled to begin later this spring for a projected fall 2021 opening.