What projects will Cook Elementary receive as part of the 2022 Bond?
Cook Elementary will receive significant renovations to the campus floor plan in order to improve the learning environment and enhance safety throughout the school. Currently, Cook is one of four elementary campuses within Austin ISD built with an open-concept floor plan. The renovations at Cook will establish walls and doors between classrooms that currently lack them and create an overall improved learning space for students and staff.
As part of the bond, Cook will also receive a secure entry vestibule, HVAC improvements, a school mental health center, community pantry, and outdoor learning/playground improvements.
How much will this cost?
The total project budget for Cook is $14,985,000. This includes the budget for construction, as well as associated fees for services and materials.
What is the timeline for completing the renovation?
Open-concept renovation projects are a top priority for Austin ISD and will be some of the first projects completed as part of the 2022 Bond. The district began Cook’s renovation by forming the Campus Architectural Team in the spring of 2023, which helped guide the design of the project alongside the architect and general contractor. The renovated school is anticipated to open to students at the start of the 2025-26 school year.
What is an open-concept campus? How will the completed project differ from modernized schools?
Open-concept campuses are schools originally built without doors and full walls between many of the classrooms. This was a design style popular in schools built in the 1970s that is not well-suited for today’s modern learning. The 2022 Bond is renovating Austin ISD’s four open-concept campuses (Cook, Oak Hill, Odom and Williams elementaries) by constructing full walls and doors between all classrooms, improving the student experience and making the campus safer.
These projects differ from the larger modernization projects in that the school will not be fully or partially rebuilt. The renovations will take place on the interior of the school and will not significantly alter the building exterior. The renovations will upgrade the existing learning areas to make them safer and more functional for students and staff.
How will construction impact students and teachers? Will they have to relocate to portables or another building during construction?
During construction, several classes will take place in portables on the Cook campus. Once construction is completed, the portables will be removed. Austin ISD will work closely with campus staff throughout the entire construction process to ensure minimal disruption to the school day.
How will construction impact neighbors who live near the school?
The district will work with its construction partner to ensure that any construction impact to neighbors is minimized. All projects will have a community meeting prior to the start of construction to review and discuss the details.
What steps are being taken to keep students safe during construction?
All contractors and vendors who work on an Austin ISD campus will have gone through a full background check. Any areas of the campus that are under construction will either be fenced or have temporary walls to prevent students from entering active construction areas. The project team coordinates with campus leadership to minimize disruptions to the learning environment.
What happens to the contents of a building that is being modernized?
Austin ISD is committed to sustainability and recycles or re-purposes as much as possible from buildings that are being modernized or remodeled.
How do I get involved with the project and provide input?
A Campus Architectural Team (CAT) has been formed to provide input on the project. CAT meetings are open to the public and public comment will be allowed at the start of each meeting. Three public community meetings have been held over the course of the project for families, staff and community members to get an update on progress and provide input. Meeting materials can be found at AISDFuture.com once they are confirmed.
Who can I contact with questions or feedback?
Please reach out to the district via the Bond Questions and Comments Form. You can also visit AISDFuture.com for additional information on the 2022 Bond.
