Hallsville ISD officials held a ribbon-cutting ceremony Tuesday for the new West Elementary School in Longview.
“I’m glad that everyone is here and seeing this beautiful space,” said Principal Jennifer Hoskins. “It’s amazing.”
Hallsville ISD staff, teachers and executives gathered in the new building’s front entrance way to witness Hoskins, surrounded by board members and teachers, cut the red ribbon to commemorate the grand opening of the campus. Community leaders then took a tour of the school, which is expected to welcome students Thursday.
The district determined several years ago that a third campus was needed to alleviate overcrowding issues at Hallsville North and East elementary schools.
Construction on West Elementary School began in early 2021 after voters approved a $55 million bond package in 2019. The 91,362-square-foot campus was built on East Loop 281 near the Page Road intersection in Longview at a cost of about $27 million.
Staff and students initially were planned to move in for the fall semester, but because of construction delays were instead housed in a temporary location on Waldron Ferry Road in Hallsville.
“We really appreciate our community for paying taxes and for trusting in us with their kids,” said district Superintendent John Martin. “We’re very excited to have this new building because we’ve had quite a bit of growth. This was a long time coming.”
Classrooms for pre-K, second language, kindergarten and first grade are downstairs, while classrooms for second, third, and fourth grades are upstairs. There are 735 students enrolled at Hallsville West Elementary.
The goal of the school is to develop strong relationships that will enable all of its students to have their voices heard and valued. The school hopes to maintain its nurturing family environment, which emphasizes high expectations, integrity and resilience.
A public open house is scheduled 5 to 6 p.m. Jan. 12.
