Riviera ISD accepts donated bronze Seahawk, board authorizes gift agreement

The Riviera ISD Board of Trustees voted unanimously Nov. 19 to accept a donated bronze Seahawk sculpture from the Seahawk Education Foundation and to authorize the superintendent to finalize a gift agreement.

Mr. Bill Colston of the Seahawk Education Foundation described the project as a large installation that the Foundation will fully fund. "The Foundation, made up of community members, was created to support district initiatives such as enhancing facilities, assisting with future projects, and potentially providing incentives for teacher recruitment," Colston said. The foundation plans an eight‑foot wingspan bronze statue on a solid granite base with an engineered foundation to support roughly 12,000 pounds; total project costs are approximately $130,000.

Trustees approved a motion by Crystal Ramirez‑Garcia, seconded by Becky Gutierrez, to accept the gift and authorize the superintendent to finalize the agreement and coordinate installation. The Foundation will pay for fabrication, transportation and installation and requested the district assist in identifying a contractor and arranging lighting; the Foundation will cover the lighting cost once the district selects a contractor and verifies underground utilities. The Board also approved relocating existing plaques to the new granite base and placing a plaque honoring artist David Hibler.

District staff said installation is planned during a student break, with the granite base and sculpture placement anticipated around April using a crane. The Board recorded a unanimous vote (6‑0) in favor of the motion.