Garland ISD is building more than new facilities. It’s building the future. With shovels in hand and a vision in place, the district officially launched nine major projects funded by the 2023 Bond Program. This includes two new elementary campuses and seven Multi-Program Activity Centers (MACs), each designed to enhance learning and expand student opportunities district-wide.

The first ceremony was held on July 18 at Williams Stadium in Garland, where the district symbolically broke ground on the five MACs that will be located in the City of Garland. GISD also celebrated the future construction of the new Kimberlin Academy for Excellence and Freeman Elementary.

Students, staff, and principals from five high schools — Garland, Lakeview Centennial, Naaman Forest, North Garland, and South Garland — attended, along with leadership teams from Kimberlin and Freeman. Community members joined in to mark the occasion and celebrate the vision taking shape.

A week later, on July 25, the celebrations continued in Rowlett and Sachse, where the district broke ground on the remaining two MACs. At each event, students, staff, families, and local leaders came together to celebrate the start of something big.

Where Innovation Meets Education

These projects are rooted in purpose. Every design, every detail, and every dollar is focused on meeting the needs of students and the communities they call home.

“These spaces are more than brick and mortar. They represent our commitment to our students, their families, and the neighborhoods they serve. A promise to provide safe, modern, and inspiring places where learning and growth can flourish,” said Director of Communications Jose Mata.

Board President Johnny Beach emphasized that each project is a direct result of collaboration and trust.

“These new campuses will not only welcome students each day, but they will also create spaces where families gather, neighborhoods connect, and the foundation of lifelong learning begins,” he said. “These moments do not happen by chance. They happen because of the vision, collaboration, and hard work of so many people.”

Speaking at the Rowlett ceremony, Beach added, “It is going to be a game changer for Rowlett and Rowlett High School and this community, and we hope that the people here appreciate what they are seeing being built.”

At the Sachse ceremony, Beach shared, “I’m very fortunate to serve alongside this school board. We all share one goal: believing in the students of GISD and doing everything possible to provide them with the best opportunities. These facilities are a sign of that commitment.”

Designed With Students in Mind

Superintendent Dr. Ricardo López shared how every project reflects Garland ISD’s character and values. Kimberlin Academy’s university-style layout will support the district’s gifted learners, while Freeman Elementary’s architecture will complement the evolving downtown Garland landscape. The MACs at all high schools will support programs far beyond athletics.

“These facilities are for everyone, including fine arts and special education. They’ll shield students from harsh weather and disruptions, keeping learning and performance on track year-round,” Dr. López said.

He added, “We worked hard to ensure these projects maintain quality while meeting the specific needs of our students. These centers will be places where creativity, learning, and growth come together under one roof.”

At the Sachse event, he highlighted the importance of consistent opportunities for students.

“This is about protecting our students. This is about ensuring our programs continue to succeed no matter the weather outside. Our kids will still have the opportunity to excel because they will have safe, sheltered places to go, where they will not miss a single day of competitive minutes.”

And at the Rowlett event, Dr. López expressed gratitude to the community for making these projects possible.

“So thank you all for your generosity, and thank you all for believing in our school district, our community, for voting on this during the 2023 bond.”

Momentum Is Building

These groundbreaking ceremonies mark the beginning of a transformative era for Garland ISD. With even more projects in the pipeline, the district is building unmatched learning environments that will serve students for generations to come.

“Let these groundbreaking ceremonies be a powerful reminder that when we invest in our students, we invest in our future,” said Executive Director of Communications Jason Wheeler.

To learn more about the 2023 Bond Program and follow progress on these exciting projects, visit the Garland ISD Bond webpage.

Please visit the Garland ISD Flickr page to see photos from all three ceremonies.