Rockport-Fulton ISD bond project near completion; move-in delayed pending TCO

The Rockport-Fulton Independent School District heard a bond project update March 19, with contractors reporting 94% billing progress and $36,710,000 authorized on the 2022 bond program, and a scheduled substantial completion date in May 2026.

Why it matters: The update affects when students and staff can occupy new and renovated spaces, and trustees pressed for clarity on safety and occupancy timing.

A bond-project representative told the board the front entry and athletic wing work are largely finished and that crews are addressing punch-list items such as final paint touch-ups, restroom hardware and flooring repairs. "We're about to create the punch list for the athletic areas and then when the outside of the building is ready, we're going to make a punch list for that," the presenter said.

Trustees asked whether students would move into most of the athletic wing this month. The contractor said the building could be made safe and occupiable, but the city had not yet issued a temporary certificate of occupancy (TCO) and had requested additional fixes. Superintendent Dr. Austin said the district chose to delay move-in to address the city’s checklist and to avoid repeated disruptions to students and staff while remaining items are finished.

Board members also reviewed site work still underway, including demolition for new parking and drives and ongoing fencing and access-control installations. Operations staff described phased work on access-control hardware and software upgrades, and contractors said site fencing and locker-room finishes are in final stages.

What’s next: The district will continue to address TCO requirements and punch-list items before authorizing student move-ins. Substantial completion remains scheduled for May 2026; trustees and staff will report further progress at upcoming meetings.