Lockhart ISD plans new middle school and aquatic center in local developments

The Lockhart City Council meeting on May 20, 2025, covered several significant developments impacting the community, including updates on local infrastructure projects and educational facilities.

One of the primary topics discussed was the ongoing work at the Lockhart Municipal Airport, where crack sealing has commenced as a precursor to repaving runways and taxiways. The project is expected to be completed by May 30, weather permitting, with notifications being sent to pilots through the FAA system.

The council also received an update on the new Lockhart Independent School District (ISD) Middle School, which is currently in the planning stages. City staff, architects, and engineers met to discuss the project, which will feature a courtyard, soccer and football fields, and an amphitheater. The two-story building will encompass approximately 262,000 square feet, including two drop-off areas, a cafeteria, library, laboratories, and an indoor stage. The school is projected to open in August 2027, with an estimated initial enrollment of 900 students and a maximum capacity of 1,200.

Additionally, the council addressed an interlocal agreement (ILA) with the school district regarding a new aquatic center. The agreement will allocate 8.1 acres adjacent to Navarro Elementary School for the aquatic center and a potential recreation center. The school board has unanimously approved the ILA, which outlines operational responsibilities and programming collaboration. This agreement will be presented to the city council for approval at their next meeting in June.

The meeting also highlighted the construction of a new 58,000 square foot building at the Baconeys Real Estate site, aimed at small to medium-sized manufacturers. A special event, the "tilt wall celebration," is planned for June to mark the progress of this project, which is expected to take about seven months to complete.

Lastly, the council celebrated the grand opening of Zieghenfelter's fourth plant in Lockhart, which opened in May. The facility currently employs 75 workers, with plans to expand to 100 as production increases. Notably, the plant is projected to produce approximately 300 million frozen trees annually.

These developments reflect ongoing growth and investment in Lockhart, enhancing both infrastructure and educational opportunities for the community.