E D U C A T I O N
opened in 1931 and closed in 2021. The building has 12 classrooms and an administration area that will become offices for the technology employees of the district.
The restrooms in the stadium need to be updated and the number increased to meet current code. The stadium will also be receiving a new front area with new ticket booths and an entry gate. Hinojosa said that there have been many challenges with this project with the amount of land and various aspects to coordinate — the older utilities infrastructure, and a radio tower to work around. BISD Facilities and Maintenance Departments have many projects on the drawing board. This includes looking for bids for a parking lot for the Hanna ECHS gym. Also on the drawing board is a new cooler and freezer area, and a new docking area for the Food and Nutrition Department. There is never a shortage of work to maintain and improve the infrastructure of the district’s property. “Some of the ACs are replaced every 10 years, though we try to keep them closer to 20,” Hinojosa said. “With 52 schools, some of which are 100 years old, we are constantly improving and maintaining.”
RGVISION MAGAZINE
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NOV/DEC 2022
SAMS STADIUM
The facilities department’s largest current project is the Sams Stadium improvements. Originally opened in 1957, the stadium was last updated in 1997. Four major areas of concern necessitated the decision for improvements. The American Disabilities Act requires updating to current compliance with any construction project. The other concerns are adequate parking, water drainage, and restroom facilities. The parking and water drainage concerns are addressed by the construction on the two-block area extending towards Elizabeth St. This area has been cleared of the commercial buildings that once occupied the space and will become a parking lot with underground storage for water drainage. The water will then filter into the city water treatment system. Parking will be above the tanks.
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