Another construction project funded by the May 2022 bond is underway in Belton ISD.

Administrators, students and community members gathered Thursday morning for a groundbreaking ceremony at Hubbard Branch Elementary, the district’s 13th elementary campus.

The school, located at 1651 O.T. Tyler Dr. in the Hubbard Branch subdivision, will help alleviate overcrowding in the southern part of the district as enrollment is projected to continue to see rapid growth annually. The district is designated as a fast-growth school district by the Fast Growth School Coalition. 

The 111,613-square-foot school will have the capacity for about 800 students in kindergarten through fifth grade.

Voters approved a $173,825,000 bond last May to address growth, aging and evolving facilities, program equity and safety and technology. Hubbard Branch, the second of two elementary schools being built with the funds, is estimated to include a total project cost of $43,567,482. Burrell Elementary is currently under construction in the northern part of the district.

Both schools were designed by Huckabee Architects with input from students, parents, teachers and staff. A team of adults met in the fall of 2021 to provide their thoughts on the design. Later, third-, fourth-, fifth- and sixth-grade students spent a day weighing in on what was most important to them in a new school’s design.  

Hubbard Branch Elementary School is being designed by Huckabee Architects in accordance with the district’s 2022 Educational Specifications, which include a variety of spaces and furnishings that are flexible and adaptable to students' needs, promoting collaborative teaching and learning. The contractor is American Constructors, a Cedar Park-based construction company specializing in Central Texas K-12 projects.

Taking into account the input provided by stakeholders, architects created a school design that features a centralized cafeteria and gym, comfortable seating options and ample parking. Hubbard Branch will also feature a secure, outdoor learning space between classroom wings.

Marty Burger, CEO of American Constructors, said, “We are honored to partner with Belton ISD on Hubbard Branch Elementary and are excited to kick off work on the project. Our hope is that this new campus exceeds the expectations of the Belton community and provides students and educators with state-of-the-art spaces that enhance the learning experience for all.”

For more information about May 2022 bond projects, visit www.bisd.net/bond_2022.