CBS 19 - The Eye of East Texas News - Tyler ISD Construction Update; Golden Apple Educator

Tyler ISD Construction Update; Golden Apple Educator

By Meghan McDermott

The Tyler ISD's most recently passed bond is already beginning to take shape throughout Tyler. Construction crews are hard at work on the replacement school for Clarkston Elementary.

"Right now we're putting in the foundation, the underground plumbings and underground electrical," said Tim Loper, Director of Facilities for the Tyler ISD.

Loper said this Clarkston project is just one of nearly half-a-dozen going on throughout the district.

"It's obvious that we need some new facilities here and basically that's what went to voters for. We got a $124,877,000," said Loper.

The bond is funding five replacement schools: Orr, Clarkston, Woods, Jones/Boshears, and Griffin elementaries. Loper said the district is starting with the greatest needs first.

"We've outgrown every one of these campuses and they're all so old facilities. Just to give you an example, we have over 27 portable building at Orr elementary," said Loper.

The new school buildings are slated to open in the fall of 2010, with the exception of Griffin. The district has yet to decide on a spot for Griffin's replacement school.

Pam Shores' first graders at Arp Elementary are learning the growth cycle of butterflies. After three weeks of watching them grow from a catterpillars, students released the butterflies.

They're so young and they are eager to learn and just seem to be interested in whatever you're saying most of the time," said Pam Shores, first grade teacher at Arp Elementary School.

Shores has taught for a total of 35 years, the past 18 have been as a first grade teacher at Arp elementary. CBS 19 is proud to name Pam Shores as this week's Golden Apple Educator.

To nominate a Golden Apple Educator from your child's school, send an e-mail to mmcdermott@cbs19.tv