Red Oak ISD receives construction update as new middle school nears completion

Red Oak Independent School District trustees heard a construction update Monday evening showing substantial progress on the districts capital projects, including the new middle school and several elementary campuses.

Brent Stanford, the districts executive director of support services, told the board that sections D, E, F and G of the new middle school are being furnished and that the project is about 92% complete. "We're able to get all the classroom furniture and stuff in," he said, adding that site paving, fencing, landscaping and interior finishes are nearing completion.

Stanford said Westmoreland Road expansion is open and accessible and pointed to finished work on brick and stone, exterior windows and doors, and multiple athletic facilities. He described the on-campus storm-shelter/practice gym and the Black Box Theater as nearly finished and said three outdoor learning pods were in place.

The presentation included a schedule item for a playground project targeted for Oct. 15, 2025. Stanford also gave progress estimates for other campuses: East Ridge Elementary about 90% complete, Shuttman Elementary about 65% complete and Wood Elementary about 70% complete. He said the district has been coordinating final inspections and occupancy permits with the city.

Board members asked technical questions about the athletic-field work and the amount of excavation required. One trustee noted that crews had dug as deep as seven to eight feet at some field locations; Stanford confirmed extensive earthwork was required to prepare the fields for new turf and drainage systems.

Stanford told the board the baseball and softball field work was approximately 34% complete and that crews were preparing soil and laying groundwork for new grass. He said the projects remain on schedule and "under budget." The update concluded with a photo slideshow of classrooms, athletic areas and playground installations.

The board did not take formal action on the construction presentation; trustees praised contractors work and thanked staff for project oversight. The superintendent also used the meeting to remind the community of upcoming events, including a Nov. 13 senior luncheon and the next regular board meeting on Nov. 17 at 7 p.m.