Southwest ISD receives construction updates; board OKs central-office furniture purchase

The Southwest ISD Board of Trustees received multiple construction updates and approved furniture for the new Central Office during its May meeting.

Board members were given progress reports on the new Central Office project, the Bob Hope Elementary renovation and addition, the Juan Alvarado Elementary foundation and concrete work, and the districtwide safety and security fencing schedule. The board approved a furniture purchase for the new Central Office and professional development building to be funded from 2023 bond proceeds.

Why it matters: the new Central Office and campus renovations will reconfigure administrative space and classroom capacity across the district, and the furniture purchase is timed to match the building completion schedule.

Construction updates and schedules were presented by project staff. Miss Smollett, a staff member presenting the Central Office update, said, "As of right now, we are on schedule. Our date of completion is scheduled for October 14." She described exterior masonry and paneling nearing completion, ongoing interior painting, and the boardroom and lobby starting to take shape.

James Moore, representing O'Connell Robertson on the Bob Hope Elementary project, reported portions of the administration area, library and several classrooms already turned back to the campus. "The administration and the regional classrooms where the library were are now occupied by the campus," he said, noting substantial-completion is set by contract for Sept. 19 but that the project manager was "looking at the August, as an early release." He also reported that cost savings from the project allowed district staff to refinish floors and ceilings in most classrooms and corridors.

On the Juan Alvarado Elementary project, Onell Jimenez, a staff member on the project team, said the project is "about 19% completion" and described the concrete pour sequencing on the foundation. He gave the construction schedule showing structural steel and classroom wing framing beginning in June, and the overall project scheduled for completion in May 2026.

District staff also updated the board on a districtwide safety- and security-fencing project. Work is scheduled to begin at three elementary campuses the week of June 9, with most elementary fencing to be completed during summer and middle and high school fencing to follow into late November and early December.

Procurement action: the board approved a furniture purchase not to exceed $1,087,344 from Texas Wilson under Board contract 767-25 to outfit the new Central Office and professional development building. District staff said the purchase is being made now because of long lead times and to align delivery with the October completion date. Funding for the furniture will come from the 2023 bond program.

Discussion versus decision: the construction presentations were informational; the furniture purchase was a formal approval. The board asked about tour timing; staff suggested a June 2 site visit for the board to see more of the building.

Clarifying details: central office completion date scheduled for Oct. 14 (on schedule); Bob Hope substantial completion by contract Sept. 19 with an August early-release target under review; Juan Alvarado at approximately 19% complete with an expected May 2026 finish; fencing to start June 9 at three elementary campuses and continue through the school year for secondary sites; furniture purchase $1,087,344 funded by 2023 bond funds.

What happens next: construction staff will continue monthly updates; staff proposed a board tour in early June; furniture procurement will proceed under the approved contract to meet the building timeline.