TYLER (KYTX) - The first day of school is just one week away and for some East Texas students, a new year also comes with a new building. Two of Tyler's five elementary schools benefiting from the $124.9 million 2008 bond program are officially open. CBS 19's Amanda Roberson has more on the openings and why it's meaning good news for other Tyler schools.
Two ribbon cuttings for two new Tyler schools. Clarkston and Andy Woods Elementary are products of the 2008 bond campaign.
For mother of two Lisa Walsworth, the new Clarkston school has already made a difference with her son, Dakota.
"We were kind of getting in a rut after mid-year last year," Walsworth explained. "It was hard to get him up, but he watched the school and when he knew after Spring Break they were starting their first day of class he was up early and we didn't have a lot of trouble the rest of the year."
That eagerness to learn is exactly why Walsworth said the bonds are important. "I would always vote for anything that's helping the students, giving them a great place to go...all the new equipment that's here and just the facilities and surroundings it's given them to learn."
Superintendent Dr/ Randy Reid agrees, and said opening the two schools has been a long time coming. "Really even longer than 2008 because they knew they were on the list back in 2004 when we past the first bond."
Dr. Reid added Clarkston and Andy Woods won't be the only elementary's to benefit from the 2008 bond. "We had savings from this bond and we're able to put two more buildings into the 2008 funds. We're doing Owens Elementary and Birdwell Elementary and we anticipate those will open this time next year."
Dr. Reid said that's good news for taxpayers. "Hopefully taxpayers see that we're being good stewards of their money and that also this money is a good investment and I think they'll see those returns on these investments in the coming years."
Investments in children, like the Walsworths.
"I know this one, the big boy's going to be great and love it," Walsworth said. "Our biggest hope and prayer is that little sister that's never been to school before will have a great a time here as Dakota has."
Two more TISD ribbon cutting ceremonies are scheduled for Sunday, August 22. The first will be at 2 pm at the new Boshears Center/ Jones Elementary on Chandler Highway and 4 pm Orr Elementary on Pinehaven Road.
