When Arlington ISD students head back to school in a little over a week, many will see construction that is still underway.
Arlington ISD has about 35 campuses with a lot of construction still underway. And while it may look like things are behind schedule, the district says for the most part all is going according to plan.
Arlington High School Principal Dr. Shahveer Dhalla says they planned ahead for the construction and have fall concerts set for other locations.
“Expectation is you have June and July to get things done,” he said. “But when you have a high school, it takes time to get things done.”
While about a week before school starts, there are boards up over a large portion of the school. There are climate controls in place to regulate the temperature.
“Majority of it will be done, Parking lot functioning. Dance studio done by the time kids get there,” Dhalla said.
Parents and students say it’s about time for the updates. Dhalla says they've worked hard not to change the character of the school built in the 1950s.
“I don't want it to feel like a new high school built on tradition,” the principal said. “I want to hold onto that tradition but with new ceiling tiles, fresh paint, water bottle fills. Into the new century, but hold onto traditions of the past.”
Dhalla says the goal of all this is to help students feel valued.
“Everything we're doing is to improve the student learning experience,” he said.
Construction crews working through the rain on Friday said they aren't slowing down. Parents say students will likely have no problem pardoning the progress underway.
The work on dozens of schools in Arlington is part of the $663 million bond approved by voters in 2014.
One of the most ambitious projects is an athletic and fine arts center. The ground breaking for that project is set for next month.