What projects will Odom Elementary receive as part of the 2022 Bond?

Odom Elementary will receive significant renovations to the campus floor plan in order to improve the learning environment and enhance safety throughout the school. Currently, Odom is one of four elementary campuses within Austin ISD that were built with an open-concept floor plan. The renovations at Odom will include 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, Odom will also receive a secure entry vestibule, HVAC improvements, school mental health center, Pre-K classroom upgrades and a community pantry. 

How much will this cost?

The total project budget for Odom is $9,617,000. 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 Odom’s renovation by forming the Campus Architectural Team in the spring of 2023, which will help 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 spring 2025 semester.

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 will renovate AISD’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. Odom will also receive a school mental health center and community pantry as part of the 2022 Bond. 

How will construction impact students and teachers? Will they have to relocate to portables or another building during construction?

Classes that are typically located in the areas being renovated will take place in portables on the Odom campus. The details on the move into portables are still being refined and will be shared with the community once the project’s design is more developed. AISD 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. These meetings will occur at the end of the design process.

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. There will also be three public community meetings over the course of the project for families, staff and community members to get an update on progress and provide input. Those meeting dates and times will be published at AustinISD.org and AISDFuture.com once they are confirmed. 

Who can I contact with questions or feedback?

Please reach out to the district via Let’s Talk or by texting (512) 886-6434. You can also visit AISDFuture.com for additional information on the 2022 Bond.