Kilgore ISD construction staff told trustees the new high school is progressing and that a temporary certificate of occupancy is expected around March 10, with the Career and Technical Center (CTC) scheduled for completion in the coming weeks. Blake Nolan, who presented the construction update, described exterior insulation and masonry work, interior framing and ceiling-grid installation underway and the upcoming sequence for stone and ceiling finishes.

Why it matters: The new high school and CTC will shift campus traffic patterns, free up existing facilities and allow district staff to relocate Career and Technical Education programs. Staff emphasized a phased, careful move-in to allow equipment and staff to settle in before students fully occupy new spaces.

Key construction and program details reported: Nolan said the high school package showed extensive ductwork, fireproofing and that ceiling grid and finishes are next; the presentation included an expected temporary CO date for the high school. The CTC building was described as nearly complete, with a mid‑month finish and new shop spaces, welding booths and a main corridor ready for final finishes. Presentation materials listed stone installation at the main entrance, EIFS (exterior insulation finish system) application, and scaffold work for high areas.

CTC operations and move plan: District staff said they plan a soft start for the CTC so staff and students can acclimate before full programming begins. Some CTE programs now housed in older industrial and ag buildings will move into the CTC and the new CTE wing; the district also plans to partner with Kilgore College for lab-based instruction, with students bused when necessary.

Parking and site sequencing: Presenters explained temporary parking and sequencing issues tied to the demolition of the existing high school; parts of the blacktop currently used by RLM will be available for parking once vacated. Nolan said some areas may require minimal reworking but estimated modest costs for repairs.

Marquee and sign relocation: Staff discussed relocating the high‑school marquee from Longview Street onto the new campus to increase parent visibility. The sign is stored at the RLM warehouse; staff said it will operate on cellular data and that electricity drops and a small rewrap (the sign panel is about 10.5 by 2.5 feet) will be needed. The district is considering a single point of contact and training for whoever will update the sign’s messages.

Capacity and features: Participants said the new high school was designed for about 1,500 students and that the auditorium will contain sloped seating plus a raised section; specifics on seat counts and final furniture installation were still being worked out. The CTC will include a multipurpose room intended for campus events, a kitchen area (district to furnish owner-installed items such as refrigerators) and shop spaces for carpentry, welding and other CTE programs.

Next steps: Staff will continue finishing work, finalize the temporary CO process and coordinate move logistics with maintenance, transportation and instructional leaders. Trustees discussed potential end-of-year events and senior celebrations that could be held in the new spaces if readiness allows.