Cook Elementary held an official ribbon-cutting ceremony to open newly modernized classrooms and facility upgrades the school said were delivered through Austin Independent School District'9s 2022 bond program.

"I am the proud principal of Cook Elementary," Principal Priscilla Sanchez Imamian said, thanking teachers, staff, families and community partners for their support and for living through months of construction to deliver updated learning spaces. Sanchez noted the project included modernized classrooms, upgraded building security, a school mental health center and a community pantry.

Austin ISD Superintendent Matias Segura credited school and district leadership for shepherding the project and said the renovated spaces reflect the district'9s priorities. "Today, we're not just cutting a ribbon. We're celebrating new opportunities for learning, collaboration, and creativity," Segura said, adding that the project supports safe, inspiring environments where "every single student can thrive."

Dr. Kevin Foster, trustee for District 3, congratulated the Cook community and framed the project as an example of resilience and public investment in neighborhood schools. Foster urged students to remember the moment as part of their educational journey and praised teachers for their work during the construction period.

Sanchez also recognized project partners by name: the architect noted in the transcript as "Smith and company," the construction team Cadence McShane, and the program manager AECOM. She thanked the school'9s Campus Architect TeamA0(CAT), described in the ceremony as teachers, staff, parents and community members who worked with project managers to ensure the new spaces meet students'9 needs.

Attendees viewed a student-made video about the new spaces and several students were recognized for their contributions. After the short ceremony, the principal invited guests to campus tours led by staff wearing tour badges and to refreshments.

No formal votes or district actions were taken at the event; school leaders described the ceremony as a public celebration marking completion of the project and invited the community to inspect the new facilities.