Construction projects abound during summer

Aldine’s Facilities Planning and Construction Department was kept busy during the summer, undertaking a number of major construction projects that will stretch into the 2014-15 school year.

One of the most ambitious projects was the remodeling of Ermel Elementary, Sammons Elementary and Magrill Elementary, which went from open classrooms to self-contained classrooms. A major renovation was also underway at Bethune Academy.

During the summer, planning began on Cypresswood Elementary School, which will open in August of 2015. The school will house approximately 1,000 students. Construction will begin during the 2014-15 school year.

The department also began planning for the building of a joint facility for COMPASS (AISD’s alternative education placement center) and Child Nutrition Services. That building will be located across the street from the M.O. Campbell Educational Center on Aldine Bender Road.

Other construction projects included cafeteria renovations at Eisenhower High School and Odom Elementary.

Also in an effort to upgrade security at all AISD campuses, construction crews began installing security storefronts during the summer.