Board hears design for Beck Junior High renovation and small additions; construction expected in summer 2027

KATY, Texas — Katy ISD and architect Arcadis presented design plans Monday for the renovation and small additions at Beck Junior High, a 30‑year campus in the Cinco Ranch area. Arcadis project team member Danny Brewster and Beck Principal Dr. Leah Radloff walked trustees through the scope: two small additions (one front administration/secure‑entry addition, and a classroom/science wing to the north), interior renovations (new HVAC, lighting, finishes and updated science labs), and site work to add parking and remove most portables. Design highlights and constraints: - Two new additions will allow the district to remove five portable classrooms and add three teacher restrooms and modern science labs. - The site is constrained by pipeline and flood‑control easements; architects designed the additions to avoid those easements and preserve existing landscaping along the street. - The project plans preserve the existing front canopy character while adding a refreshed, secure vestibule and modest landscaping changes. Schedule: Arcadis presented a schedule that anticipates construction documents and permitting followed by two summers of heavy construction and equipment lead times; the anticipated occupancy date is August 2027. Staff noted long lead times for major HVAC equipment and the need to stage interior work across two summers to minimize disruption. Trustees, including Beck alumni and former campus leaders, expressed support and asked about parking locations, portable removal and grade‑level flow; staff said the campus will continue to separate grade bands (sixth vs. seventh/eighth) and that campus circulation will be refined as construction documents are finalized. Why it matters: The renovation will bring aging building systems and classroom spaces up to current standards, provide modern science lab space and reduce reliance on portable classrooms in a fast‑growing district area.