Dee Wilson Construction and ERO presented a schematic design and schedule for San Benito Consolidated Independent School District’s proposed 900-seat Performing Arts Center during the board’s regular meeting.

Design manager Aaron Hanley said the project contract was signed in August and the team has revised concepts with district fine-arts staff and the superintendent. The schematic plan presented includes a 900-seat auditorium, a fully functional fly tower above the stage, a lowered sound booth, a removable orchestra pit with front-row removable seating, two rehearsal halls, a multipurpose lobby sized to host dining for up to 100 people, a scene shop with loading access and supporting dressing-room and storage spaces. The presenters described cultural design motifs drawn from charro and folklorico traditions and showed preliminary exterior renderings with illuminated perforated panels to reflect local sunsets and school colors.

The design team listed an initial overall budget of $22,000,006.85 and said they had “added 1.227” to include the fly tower; they later referenced a current budget figure of $24,000,001.62. The presenters characterized the figures as schematic and subject to refinement during later design phases. Trustees asked about models and renderings; the team said they will provide high-quality digital exterior and interior renderings but that a physical scale model was not included in the current scope.

On schedule, the team described a plan to split construction into two guaranteed-maximum-price packages so site work can start sooner. They said a site package is targeted for issuance on December 12 and anticipated putting site/utilities out to bid, with mid-January work to begin moving dirt and full building construction starting in June 2026. Construction was estimated at roughly 18–20 months, placing overall completion in early 2028, with full design coordination targeted to finish in May prior to construction.

Superintendent Alfredo Perez and trustees praised the design and the construction team for responsiveness. No formal vote on the project occurred at the meeting; the presentation was informational and schematic design remains subject to board review and future action.